The Child

Still, child, sit still
And silent
Speak not whilst you are at the centre of the whirling storm
Of life.
Do not shout,
Or beg
To be set free;
For this is where you must be.

Calm, child, be calm
And mute your pain
Cry not whilst all around you scream and howl
At life.
Do not break
Your heart
In want of freedom;
For this is where you must be.

Peace, child, seek peace
Be content
Seek not for joy that others have as right
In life.
Do not laugh,
Or smile,
Pleasure is not free;
And this is where you must be.

(c) C P Brooks 28/12/07