This poem is one of encouragement, but also an interesting view into the mind of the author, as well as that of the era in which he wrote, about the definition of a man. However, if one were to look at the charateristics listed in this poem, it can be applied to all people regardless of gender. Distilling it all down to the bare essentials, this poem is about enduring and remaining true to who you are regardless of what life throws at you.
