The Men I Have Loved

Have I told you lately that I love you?

I wondered that a few weeks ago when I came across a writing prompt via Twitter: write a love letter to black men. Since I do indeed love black men and regrettably don’t articulate it often, I wanted to participate in this brilliantly timed effort (the month of love AND African American History Month? #doublewin).

While I wanted to write a blanket message to cover all black men, I think love letters are most meaningful when they include personal details. So I decided to use some poetic license and tell why I love black men by outlining a few awesome qualities of the black men whom I have loved.

I love(d) them for many reasons, but here are just a few:

Mr. Strength and Dependability

It is easy to agree with Ralph Tresvant’s 1990s crooning that I “need a man with sen-si-ti-vity.” However, when your insides turn to mush as often as mine do, you learn to appreciate a strong anchor. With age, I have come to see the value in a calm demeanor and a cool head, the comfort in a tower of safety, and the peace in knowing someone always come through for you. And I love him for it.

The Storyteller

Books were my close friends at an early age because the stories within them provided a means of escape. It is no wonder that I would love a man who could tell a good story. Whether humorous, witty, riveting, or inspiring, his tales will have you hanging on his every word. And I love him for it.

The Funny Man

Laughter is truly the best medicine, and it’s even better when it comes in variations of sarcasm, wise cracks, foolishness, and yes, even teasing. Successful humor has impeccable timing and captures the nuances of culture and language. Many of my black brethren do it effortlessly, but this man has been known to cause laughter so severe that it leaves both my stomach and my cheeks in unbearable pain. And I love him for it.

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