As I Am A Man Poem by RIC BASTASA

as i am a man
measure me not with that
divine stick

i do not wish
to be more than God
nor do i intend to be
lower than
that beast.

measure me
with the love that i can give you
the sorrows i have
the pains i have endured
the successes that i have
hidden from your eyes

measure me with the purity
of my intentions
the care with which i do my
actions
do not measure me
with your expectations
let me stand strong
on the pavement of
your cares.