Something Wise

You’re growing up in the future.

A future of

self-truth

and plastic

and maidens

waiting for roses

and others

waiting for justice.

I’m scared

and I’m proud

and I’m sorry

that we left things this way

for you.

Beauty and wit

and stories and

determination,

some from your mother

another bit from me

and you’ll do fine

If I had to say

something wise

it’d be this,

“Apologize only for what you do,

and not for who you are.”

But remember,

we’re the ones

who got you into this mess.