Write a poem if
you don't want people
to judge your children.
Give your children to the world
if you don't want your voice and
your words to be mocked.
Your writing and your kids,
they have to stand on their own two feet —
especially once you've grown them up and
let them go out into something bigger
than themselves.
You can't keep people from laughing —
and there will be laughter —
but there will be some people who understand
and agree and love the things
you've poured out from yourself.
Do not worry —
let your children have a life of their own.
They are capable of building their own future,
making their own enemies,
and finding their own friends.
