Now A Man Poem by Jon M. Nelson

He can now proudly hold his head up high,
After doing things that would make most men cry.
Even after all the suffering and pain,
He knew it was worth it after what he gained.

The physical torture that he felt like he endured,
Was part of the process and thought he was cured.
All the long days and sleepless nights he suffered,
Had worked in the end because he now felt tougher.

Through dirt and mud, he had to push himself along,
They were only obstacles that would help make him strong.
Some hand-to-hand combat was part of the fight,
That he knew would also help increase his might.

Learning to shoot, stab, and other ways to kill,
Went against his conscience and his inner will.
In the end he watched his mom cry tears of joy.
Standing there now, was a man that left home a boy.