Something I wrote for my son Eric a decade and a half ago…
InYour Fifteenth Year
People are basically decent, moved only by fear or love;
so take the news for what it is. Opinion and superstition,
‘’educated’’ guesstimates of conflicting experts and polls.
Keep a skeptical eye and make up your own mind
about the shape of the world.
Your mind works very well; use it critically and continually.
You cannot wear it out.
Take your life at it’s own pace, avoid things that alter
the speed of your experience as each day will bring its own
triumphs and tears, fears and gales of laughter.
Remember the universe forgives, and you will need to, as well.
Don’t waste time looking over your shoulder:
the past is an unreliable ghost that shifts and changes
as we indulge our weakness for the comfort of nostalgia
and revision.
The future is merely a dream promised to no one.
You have only the present moment,
which becomes the past with your first awareness
– use it to mark your place. Remember your life is built
of these small moments strung together, and
“skill testing questions” that reveal your inner character,
your unique identity,
answering the world’s challenging question:
“Who is this Eric?”
Go strong and straight, my son, with bluff and blarney,
confidence and courage, defiance and deference;
a fierce gentleman.
In your dark moments of fear and indecision,
Act and you will become.
And always remember
that I love you.
©1992 Michael Tabor