The Quiet Ones
by Alyssa L. Harris
Come little children,
there is much to see.
A whole world is out there,
for you and for me.
Follow, sweet children,
but stifle your sound.
Be seen and not heard,
lest you be drowned.
Come children, come,
and mask your bright smiles.
Silence all you feel,
and be worth our while.
Your bones and your blood,
are nothing but strings.
Do what we ask,
and we'll give you your wings.
Your heart and your brain,
ideas, thoughts, feelings,
cause only strain.
Submit and be free.
Come little children,
surrender your flame.
But if you fail,
only you are to blame.
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