Coming Of Age Poem by Damian Cranney

Is it true Said the child to it's Father,
That we all have to be very good,
And We don't have a choice if we'd rather,
Be naughty and play in the mud.

The father was pensive and thoughtful,
And pondered this question some time,
"If you want to be naughty then do it my child, "
I still will upbraid you, but it will only be mild.

You have a will of your own, and you must be free,
To find your own path, without, advice from me.
I always will be here, you can on that, depend,
And your independent rights, I strongly, will defend.

The child looked up, and shaking her head,
That is not good guidance, father, she said.
I need to know the wrong, from the right,
The difference is all, be it, ever so slight.

You sought my advice, and that I have given,
your words show, down what path you are driven,
I cannot do better than, where you are now,
Your admonishment proves you already know how!