I wrote this poem when I was trying to ask out my boyfriend. During this time, I was conflicted with how I was going to ask him out, and I constantly pondered why he couldn't ask me out. Then the thought of, “Guys must be the ones to make the first move," popped it my head.

Although the feminist movement has destroyed many stereotypes of what women can be and do, the same cannot be said for men. Men in our society are still expected to be strong and to be the leading role. Empowering women have become a norm in our society, yet a man who wish to express his femininity is seen as a bizarre spectral. This poem is in the perspective of a male struggling to ask out his crush and pondering why she couldn't make the first move.

Deep breath,

Chest out,

Male dominance,

but that's not me.

I'm scared too.

I fear rejection.

I fear mocking.

I fear embarrassment.

I'm shy.

I observe.

I can't attack.

Some days,

watching you smile

is enough.

Other days,

I want to be

near you.

I want to say

"I love you,"

but I'm scared.

Why am I such a

Coward?

Wait,

Why do I have to

Make the

first move?

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Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner.