The following is
based on a real discussion with my—then—fifteen-year-old son, who didn’t
believe in the rules his parents—or anyone ‘official’—were trying to enforce.
All he wanted
was his ‘freedom’!
It turned out to
be an interesting discussion.
And even more
pertinent in 2020 than it was in 1995!
“Freedom’s what I want!” he said. “And what I really
need!
“No one to tell me what to do, and none to intercede.
“Just let me live my life,” he said. “And I’ll let you
live yours.
“I won’t be forced to follow rules or do things I
abhor!”
“That’s ‘freedom’ in your point of view? Life’s just a
big buffet?
“Just take the things you want?” I said. “And never
have to pay?”
He puffed his fifteen-year-old chest and struck an ‘adult’
pose,
“One day you’ll see I’m right. Obeying rules really
blows!”
“To do away with rules and laws? Well that sounds really
swell!
“But remember while you’re doing this, th’other guy is
as well!
“So guard your ‘stuff’ with all your might, and guard
yourself as well,
“Cause just like you, your neighbour’s free to steal
or raise some hell.”
“I know there’s lots of things you want to do when you’re
fifteen,
“And rules might sound restrictive, dull, and, let’s
just face it, mean,
“They hold you down and really seem as bonds that tie
and chafe
“But let me tell you, Son,” I said. “These rules will
keep you safe!”
Once a month, our Karen challenges each of us to rhyme,
