What if
you can do what’s right
and be very happy?
What if
there are many choices how?
Many ways
to be buoyantly responsible?
Which will you choose?

You are not locked up
in a Scout Handbook.
You are not a leashed dog.
You are not sentenced to this job
or this state or this church or this house--
white shirt and tie an option,
not required.
There are polka dots or shoes with lights.
Pierced eyebrows and pearl earrings.
Be wild and wandering
or hide in your room in a big soft chair--
silent or noisy,
pack rat or ascetic
dad in band, dad in bank.

Have a blast
have high tea
be bad
be you--
there are infinite ways
to be good.