The Measure of a Man

Weight is not the measure of a man,

Though excess weight makes people doubt and cringe.

But for the grace of God go I, they whinge,

And puff with pride, that they keep their weight down.

Height is not the measure of a man,

Though when one stands beside a man so tall,

One feels a little childish.  Or so small—

One feels a sense, one must protect or calm.

Humor’s not the measure of a man,

Though without laughter, we would lose our nerve,

Lose our perspective, and over hors d’oeuvre,

There’s none can tell a joke, like one who can.

Beauty’s not the measure of a man,

Though surreptitious looks and glances both

Will follow round a man, who’s sharply clothed,

And has a pleasing face that isn’t bland.

Strength is not the measure of a man—

Of muscle or of mind—though many try

To twist us round their finger with a lie,

And scare us to submission, if they can.

Heart is not the measure of a man,

For heart can lead us, blind, heart can betray,

And do too much, and help us on our way,

When really, we could do just fine, alone.

Fairness is no measure of a man,

For, tribal, we would seek the longer straw,

Preferring preference, standing not in awe

Of some Blind Justice, who prefers no man.

But words may be the measure of a man:

Which words he chooses, when, and in what tone,

And if he speaks the same, with or alone,

The same with those he hates, as with his clan.

Yes, words must be the measure of a man,

For hidden motives lurk, invisible,

In words that make our whole divisible:

We listen, and we splinter, to a man.

If you should take the measure of a man,

Be honest and objective, if you can.

His words must be your measure.  Check them twice,

Before you class, as Naughty or as Nice.

For more Math poems, read False Equivalencies and Math. For a different kind of measurement, for those who don’t do well on tests, read Honor Roll for Those Who Can’t Make Honor Roll.