a child

what does a child know?

what does it need to know

to grow up

happily?

it needs to know

that mother is there

whenever it feels scared

whenever it feels hurt

when ever it needs

to be held and

hugged and

caressed

it needs to know

that father is there and present

to show the way

and to give the rules

and provide clarity

and protect the family

in all ways

what does a child need to know

besides that?

it needs to know

that it can come

and ask

and that it will

get answers

and understanding

about the world

and how it works

and what is

important

to know

a child can be happy and playful

and trustful and open

and confident

because it has

loving parents

but then we grow up

we leave home

but then we become adults . . .