Homework 22nd Feb; To My Young Self
Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2022 2:45 pm
To My Young Self
In the early hours of morning, just before the dawn of day
when your head lies on your pillow as the light and shadows play,
please allow me to approach and softly whisper in your ear,
and accept my good intentions as my purpose becomes clear.
There are many things I’d like to say and stories to be told
but with little time, I’ll single out a few I think are gold—
while your older self entreats you to attend to every word
as a caution for your path ahead, may heart and mind be stirred.
Don’t be gullible, expecting every person to be kind.
Don’t be led around by peers but know and value your own mind.
Don’t attempt to please them all—stand up, be counted, be direct
when it comes to things of substance, and you’ll garner more respect.
In your year of birth, The Platters hit of ‘Smoke Gets in Your Eyes’
is a sentiment I recommend you constantly reprise.
For idealistic daydreams, although dear can lead astray—
know the differences between them, gently sift the chaff away.
Take some time to ponder carefully when tempting songs are sung,
such as leaving school too early, choosing marriage far too young.
Make the most of every moment you are in your parents’ care,
and don’t ever take for granted all the precious times you share.
You will make mistakes like everyone—we all get into strife—
but accept and learn these lessons, they are just a fact of life.
Seize the moments, take the challenges, and never be afraid
to be true to your own values - when it matters, don’t be swayed.
I will leave you now my child, the dawn is breaking in the east,
and the fact I cannot linger is the nature of the beast.
There are several roads you’ll take to which I’ll wish you wouldn’t tend,
yet I know they’ll lead to happiness and wisdom in the end.
You are blessed with bonds of family that cannot be undone,
and their unreserved support will shine upon you like the sun
with devotion, generosity, and faith in God above—
do not ever underestimate the power of their love.
© Catherine Lee, 2022
In the early hours of morning, just before the dawn of day
when your head lies on your pillow as the light and shadows play,
please allow me to approach and softly whisper in your ear,
and accept my good intentions as my purpose becomes clear.
There are many things I’d like to say and stories to be told
but with little time, I’ll single out a few I think are gold—
while your older self entreats you to attend to every word
as a caution for your path ahead, may heart and mind be stirred.
Don’t be gullible, expecting every person to be kind.
Don’t be led around by peers but know and value your own mind.
Don’t attempt to please them all—stand up, be counted, be direct
when it comes to things of substance, and you’ll garner more respect.
In your year of birth, The Platters hit of ‘Smoke Gets in Your Eyes’
is a sentiment I recommend you constantly reprise.
For idealistic daydreams, although dear can lead astray—
know the differences between them, gently sift the chaff away.
Take some time to ponder carefully when tempting songs are sung,
such as leaving school too early, choosing marriage far too young.
Make the most of every moment you are in your parents’ care,
and don’t ever take for granted all the precious times you share.
You will make mistakes like everyone—we all get into strife—
but accept and learn these lessons, they are just a fact of life.
Seize the moments, take the challenges, and never be afraid
to be true to your own values - when it matters, don’t be swayed.
I will leave you now my child, the dawn is breaking in the east,
and the fact I cannot linger is the nature of the beast.
There are several roads you’ll take to which I’ll wish you wouldn’t tend,
yet I know they’ll lead to happiness and wisdom in the end.
You are blessed with bonds of family that cannot be undone,
and their unreserved support will shine upon you like the sun
with devotion, generosity, and faith in God above—
do not ever underestimate the power of their love.
© Catherine Lee, 2022