A poem by Graham, a participant on one of my Men’s Leadership Retreats, about his life-changing experience on the retreat.
I’ve just arrived at Whaley Hall, on a quest to ease my pain
to kill some of my demons and to find myself again
To kick out all the gremlins that hijack my every thought
and to try and share my stories and the learning’s I have brought
This is my latest challenge, for my body and my mind
and I am a little apprehensive, about the men that I might find
The first day helped me settle, once I’d met the other men
all gathered in a circle, with positive intentions like mi sen
Craig ran through the agenda and spoke of Warriors and Kings
of Lovers and Magicians and lots of other blokey things
We began sat in the circle, emotions dancing all around
all spoke our truth within the circle, built on the trust we all had found
Brave men taking their masks off, to reveal the man behind
It’s amazing when the masks are off, just how much courage you can find
Shared stories of relationships with wives and dads and mothers
brings such power to the circle, to create this band of Brothers
Sharing shadows on the inside, some from the now, some from the past
can project through to the outside, to become the shadow that you cast
So let the light shine on the inside, from the love light in your heart
So others see the Golden king, made real from every part
We all arrived with lots of baggage that we’ve dragged round for years
Heavy bags with many labels, saying anger, guilt and hurt and fears
Now I’m leaving here this evening, and those bags can come along
but they’re much easier now to carry, because the labels have all gone
So thanks to Craig and all of you, my band of new found brothers
I found the best way I can help myself is when I’m helping others
Aho, Graham
