A Gentleman

is not made of riches    
or material possessions      
strong or perfect physique;      
      
  he's trustworthy and loyal      
  dedicated and dependable      
  honest and direct    
 
   doesn't mean he can't make mistakes  
   but, accepts responsibility for choices
   confesses them openly, never blames 
        
A Gentleman does not play victim      
during dire circumstances      
befalling his existence:      
     
  he maturely adapts--      
  accepts that which      
  he cannot change;      
     
  faces challenges      
  with moral dignity      
  and steadfast integrity;      
     
  suffers not guilt      
  to enter stage left      
  or pity to play protagonist      
     
A Gentleman      
never forces his will      
on anyone else;      
     
  but, honors wishes      
  with graceful respect      
     
Acting contrary      
to another's request      
is pure ego asserting itself--  
     
  just because it can      
  or claims to know what's best      
  for another able-bodied adult      
     
A Gentleman honors      
his fellow wo/man, knows      
discretion is the better part of valor;      
     
  refuses to disclose intimacy      
  as a means to sully character      
     
A Gentleman is      
as a Gentleman does:      
     
  Lives and lets Live      
  despite personal wants      
      
~