My Teachers

I did it anyway and now my hand is burnt.

When Dad said don’t climb on the bookshelves,

I climbed to the top shelf and now my arm is broken.

When Mom said don’t eat too much junk food,

I said too bad and now my stomach hurts.

When Dad said running with scissors was a bad idea,

I ran as fast as I could and now I have 13 stitches.

When Mom said I should be careful in love,

I said "whatever" and now I am nursing a broken heart.

It sometimes took more than words

to teach me a lesson.

And in order to help me fly,

My parents first had to watch me fall.

And now they’re telling me to be careful in the world, ​

​as I start my own life.​

​And I’m saying to them,​

​Don’t worry, you taught me well.