Song for the Future

Azure blue befits you, my dear -

Away you look with a flush in your cheeks and pinked ear.

Sit still for a painting distilled for memories come;

Capture youth and innocence so you won’t become,

A woman loud-mouthed in a blouse sheer.

Pose for each frame, strike an angle;

Why, you look perplexed - your legs dangle.

Look yourself in the mirror unsure,

What we mean by beautiful and demure;

A tedious afternoon with attention ample.

We dress you in our liking,

Yet ask why you don’t have a personality striking;

Your eyes follow us for appraisal,

Yet ask why we bicker over trivial.

Are we grooming a mini-me, or an individuality?

Child, you already know better -

Your kindness extends a hand to the beggar;

Your eyes see beauty all around,

Your questions appear mundane but astound;

Your canvas is the world of splendor.

Child, we will extend a hand when in need,

But a backbone can come out of a scuffed knee.

We will catch you when you fall,

But you must develop your wings to stand tall,

Soar across the woods wild and free.

Protect in excess and you won’t grow a shoulder,

Wide and strong enough for another’s future.

Shelter you from the rain and you won’t dance to a tune,

Melodious and profound to share a love’s bloom,

Wonder at the mellow beats of waves lunar.

We will not call out to you in words meant for ourselves,

Look upon and assess you as someone else.

You are not a mirror tarnished,

But a stained glass varnished.

Child, we are taught to hate,

But you are born to love.