Work.
Thats what men are meant to do, right?
So I guess that’s what I should do today.
*
Head down, aimless, subordination.
*
But hey, money makes the world go round, doesn’t it?
So that’s what I’ll do.
*
And then once I get home I can spend it,
Spend it on shit that will only make me sicker. And weaker.
Shit that I’ll eat alone, and in silence.
*
In Solitude.
*
Well I guess I should lift some weights, right?
Isn’t that what they say?
*
Depressed? Pushups.
Lonely? Pushups.
Little bitch? Pushups.
*
But what if you don’t want what an attractive body can bring?
What if your heart is elsewhere?
And you know it’ll never be enough anyway?
*
Then what?
*
Do it for the strength gains, I guess.
*
Functionality, power.
*
Masculinity.
*
Be a solid man. Well rounded.
Faster, fitter, stronger.
*
And then see out the rest of your days alone.
Unable to find enjoyment.
Unable to focus on the simplest of pleasures,
Like TV or books, or sunshine walks.
*
Just tread along the edge of the void,
Day after day,
Aware of your own uselesness.
*
And wait 'til they finally come,
To pull you across the veil.
*
But at least your arms will be big.
About the Creator
Jumbo Slice
A wanderer tracing the old gods’ path through a modern wasteland. I write of myth, mindset, motion, and quiet rebellion. Sometimes poetry spills out between the cracks.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives


Comments (15)
"Totally agree!"
From now on l am doing push ups haha. Brilliant piece 👌🏾
Insightful & brilliantly-penned!
Congratulations 🎉 on your top story 🙏
my mom always said take care of yourself because you never know when your battery will stop and you always want to look your best when your time is up. Her mother would come back with, and just who are you trying to impress? ... thinking of both of them, my retort would be, I want to impress me, after all, I have my pride. congrats on TS. this was a very thought -provoking poem and well deserving of TS.
my mom always said take care of yourself because you never know when your battery will stop and you always want to look your best when your time is up. Her mother would come back with, and just who are you trying to impress? ... thinking of both of them, my retort would be, I want to impress me, after all, I have my pride. congrats on TS. this was a very thought -provoking poem and well deserving of TS.
This is absolutely amazing. I'm so pleased this got Top Story, congrats! Men's mental health and the pressures that go along with it are so rarely discussed and even more rare is this level of raw openness. Stunning piece!
Love this. So true in every way.
🎉 Congrats on your Top Story! 📰✨ Super proud of you—so well deserved! 💪👏 Keep shining! 🌟😊
So nice post !
gd
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
But it is so relatable. Fixing and breaking within the rules of society. Spot on emotion. Congrats on your surprise top story (those are the best)
Okay so I'm very surprised this received a top story, and I was not at all expecting it. It was an introspective, depressive, internal monologue, and I'd like to say to anyone that reads this that I hope you enjoy what you read, subscribe, and stick around for more. It's not all doom and gloom, I promise!
Oh wow, that was truly so sad and emotional. Loved your poem!