Someone lies alone. Alone in a room, and in a world of their own.
Actually, it is the real world,
But it feels like everyone else does not seem to be aware of it.
There are so many who believe that the laws don’t apply the same to them…
The waiting in line, waiting a turn, or even simple rules of nature.
“What does it take to get their attention?” one questions within.
“They need so badly to wake up and smell the coffee, or rather the pollution.”
Life is not just a toy we can play with. Although, many do.
“Why is it so necessary to risk death to feel alive?”
These answers belong to others,
Yet most of us feel so compelled to worry for them.
They sure don’t contemplate the consequences themselves.
Whether they are taking chances of endangering others or not.
Being selfish is such a twentieth century characteristic.
But who really cares, right?

We’ve been preaching for so long that it doesn’t matter what others think of us,
That just because one person may think something is wrong doesn’t mean they’re right,
That what we believe as individuals is right if we see it to be so in our frame of mind,
Mostly because of the most important principle we teach…
Everyone has a right to be different and live the way they believe.
And when someone makes the point…
That just because an individual may see armed robbery as the only way to make a living,
Doesn’t mean that he should be allowed to do so,
The “freedom” fighters quickly retreat with “You’re taking it too far.”
We are suddenly using a childish tactic to gain popularity,
Or just to win an argument.
Where does it say that in order for an individual to have the right of religion,
Others should be made to shut up,
Or that schools should be forced to teach only one side of our history and life,
To avoid the conflicting side?

Can one not take on the complete job of parenthood,
And accept that it is their responsibility to teach a child on whatever he may question,
Without assuming that it is the world’s responsibility to know
That one prefers their child to be kept in the dark, isolated,
Or in control of others rights’ to freedom of speech to preserve their own?
Children do not grow to be a rumor that they hear,
Or develop on what they study alone.
It takes influence, smeone being involved, and sound teaching.
You can’t get any more involved than being a parent.
When one feels like they’re not involved enough with the fight,
Maybe they should make sure they are involved enough in the child’s life.
Most importantly, they could put more trust into their children
And into the teaching they give them.
Because in the end, that is what makes the difference…
What the children choose to do with the teachings you give them.
THE CHILDREN will make that decision alone!

5-16-1996 Thursday
Written by Gail Brookshire
PS. I wrote this so long ago, do not ask me what I was saying,
Nor who I was speaking to. Naturally, I would know even less now.