If you are yourself
you are a rebel!

Rebels are to be crushed and denied!

Young rebels are to be molded!

It starts early as a child.

You cannot experience your true self!

You cannot go outside and hear the birds!
“not now” my dear.

You cannot laugh and play!
It is not the time for it.

You cannot play in the mud!
You get too dirty.

You cannot wear clothing you like to wear.
You embarrass us.

You cannot eat your lunch when hungry.
It is not time for it.

You are not allowed to lay in bed.
It is not bed time.

You are not allowed laugh out loud.
You may disturb others.

You are not allowed to be curious.
You may break things.

You are not to tell the truth!
You may offend others.

You are not to study what you love.
You will not make enough money.

You are not allowed to pay attention to singing birds.
It is time to study.

You are not allowed to be you!
You need to be “proper”
The reserved you,
The predictable you
The manageable you.

Copyright @2014 by Shervin Hojat