copyright by Bruce Ritchie 1997

Don’t ask my child to fly,
for he has not wings.

Don’t ask my child to see the
glint on the eagle’s beak,
for his vision has been
diminished.

Don’t ask my child to remain
calm amid the din,
for her ability to screen out the
noises has been taken away.

Don’t ask my child to be careful
with “strangers”,
for he is affectionate with
everyone and prey for the
unscrupulous.

Don’t ask my child to “settle
down”,
for the clock which works for you
and me, does not exist for her.

Don’t ask my child to not play
with the toys of others,
for he has no concept of
property.

Don’t ask my child to remember
you tomorrow,
although you met today.

Don’t ask my child to heal your
wounds,
for her hands cannot hold a
scalpel or sutures.

Don’t ask my child to meet the
challenges set by society,
for you have denied her the tools.

Don’t ask my child to forgive you
for standing idly by,
while he was in trouble in his
mother’s womb,

for he will,
but He may not.

http://www.acbr.com/fas/dontask.htm
9/12/03
Posted here without prior permission.