Terrible, No Good

Since childhood, have you also been told
you are terrible, terrible, no good? A self-

fulfilling prophecy is one that drinks 
the water it is offered, despite the sludge.

Some of us put silver bows into the hands 
of unmusical children, with which they'll saw 

on an instrument more than a hundred 
years old and polished. Some of us 

make do with whistling into an acorn cap, 
kicking a stone down the road. It is not 

terrible to want real cream with strawberries, 
a warm croissant with coffee, just for yourself; 

not terrible to say you are tired of pleasing 
the gods and everyone first, putting yourself last.