Sing, Silver Stars (sequel to The Scholar's Tale and Strigoi Soul)

I think, my father would say, therefore I am. And I think for myself, thus I am a man.

Then why, I would ask, knowing that I, too, could think, am I not?

Because, he would reply, you do not do so freely.

The old revelation, always new, always cut like broken glass. And I could not help but wonder, why?

Why make a son you have to compel?

And how could I not think freely, yet realising that always, always hurt?