“It’s a question of survival
Only the strong will live.
There’s no might in mercy,
Only the weak forgive!”
Another conversation
Another lesson learned,
From someone whose approval
This little boy so yearned.
And as this seed is planted
So shall it be reaped.
Given time to gestate,
Once it’s rooted deep.
There will come a situation
A major or minor threat,
When these words will echo so loud
He won’t be able to forget,
The look he saw in his father’s eyes
As he spoke those words so loud,
And he will make an extreme decision
Just to try and make him proud!

Perhaps there should be a warning
Issued to all kids each night,
Explaining to them that not
Everything their parents say is right!

“You know there ought to be a law
Against the way they carry on!
Don’t they know they’ll burn in hell,
Homosexuality is wrong!”
Another conversation
Another prejudice begins.
Being told that he is wrong
For what he may feel within.
Once that seed is planted
And it has been sewn,
Yet another intolerant
Adult will be grown.
But if the child is questioning
What kind of damage could be done?
By telling them it’s wrong
The pressure’ll build till they’re overcome.
And they’ll turn to desperation
To end the pain they’re going through
Because you made it clear to them
That they could never turn to you!

Perhaps there should be a warning
Issued to all kids each night,
Explaining to them that not
Everything their parents say is right!
Reserve the right to question,
And find a path in life that fits.
For the only way to enjoy life,
Is to be open to it!

“Jesus Christ is our savior,
And he died for all of our sins.
He will lead us to salvation,
We must all live for him.”
Another conversation,
Another impressionable mind closed.
Now they’ll dismiss blindly any other
Answers to which they are exposed.
And once that seed is planted
It will make them feel so safe
Until they are shown an answer,
Not based purely on faith.
Those questions will start a fire
And bridges will get burned
Because a closed mind cannot easily
Let go of what it has learned.
But if by chance they make it
With new answers of their own,
You will persecute and condemn them
If they are ever expressed or shown!

Perhaps there should be a warning
Issued to all adults each night.
Be careful with your preaching
Make sure you’re teaching right.
For the lives you hold are precious,
Let them be nurturing and kind.
Allow them to think for themselves
Help them have an open mind.
So forget about yourselves,
Just teach them what is true,
And question for yourselves
The lies your parents told you!

(6/9/03)