How would you have me tell these children
How to prep for life yet preserve youth
Should I tell them all the ways we love each other
Or reveal the awful with each truth
Should I tell them of the Flanders Field still growing
Gift them euphemisms for the cause
Sublimate the knowing, temper answers
Opt out with some version, ‘just because’
Should I tell them that, for all our evolution,
We haven’t found a way yet to exist
That sometimes there will be betrayal from a lover
Served with honey and a tender kiss
Shall I tell them that adults are a throwback
Dinosaurs that still believe in myths
Legends, including every dragon
Will they trust us still when knowing all of this
Will children, with their foresight and their fairness
Decree no confidence, invoke that law
Every right they would have, let’s start over,
I’ve seen it, just repeating what foresaw
scottishmomus 
Tell them the truth but not too much at once, otherwise they would not be able to handle it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
This is quite heart-wrenching, Anne-Marie, as so often I feel that my own best intentions go awry. Tell me, please.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I tell them to question everything, Chris, including what I tell them. To seek and think for themselves. And to love. I hope it’s enough.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always a difficult decision what to tell, how much to tell and when to tell. Many questions to ponder here Ann-Marie. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
tell them they have the power
LikeLiked by 1 person
I tell them that. And to exercise it with love.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful. I am struggling with this too — especially with recent events in Paris. Children are so wise though, so I follow their cue.
LikeLike
Wiser than we are, for sure. That’s an excellent place to start.
LikeLike