Welcome My Son Poem by Alfred Barna

Welcome my Son, to the great divide
Into this world into which we have been born
Decisions we must make, we cannot hide
Into this rose garden we muse, always a thorn
Be wary of those, who only desire to kill
Any who oppose their beliefs and ideas
Be wary of priest, politician, or person proclaiming "The Will"
To destroy many, and to stir up great fears
Arrogance of men stating only I know the way
All others who disagree, they must be destroyed
If God is omnipotent, then why does he need mere men to slay
Any infidels of which he has become annoyed

Welcome my Son, be true to whispers of heart
Never become arrogant, listen to everyone you meet
Whether men speak truth or lie, you can tell them apart
When you compare equally, and without deceit
Be wary of those who agree with all that you do
For true friends should contest when you have done wrong
Be wary of those who profess to be forever true
For time may come you must say, I no longer belong
If deep inside you feel that you must break away
For those amongst you embark down dark roads
Fear not leaving, for with conscience you stay
Or you will burden your soul with even heavier loads

Welcome my Son, we are men, and not gods
We make mistakes, don't be afraid of reproves
It is when with others we are at odds
Never believe you are too mighty, of this it behooves
Life is a great gift, never take it lightly
Even with enemies you must use fair scales
Hold dear a free mind and thought tightly
For times always test, with greatest of gales
All men feel best, when making it through a storm
Holding close to heart, to mind, and to his kin
For this life is not all ease, and this is has been the norm
No one knows the end, and to when we begin