I plead that you heed
to the warning
of your father’s counsel

though the sun
is inviting,
do not go near her
where it is not safe
yield to what is right,
resist the whimsical sound
of the waves calling

come fly beside
your old man
the creator of your
wings –
still fragile, your feathers
become vulnerable
to the scorching perils
preying outside this labyrinth
don’t go yet too far
your training has just begun
make no rush
a kingdom isn’t built in a day
in your pubescence
you gain learnings
drink up, take as much
welcome wisdom
with open arms

soar high
but not beyond the line
have you heard
of Babel’s tower?
the one that was forged
by the unbridled ambition
to reach
the highest glory
disrupted, ceased and fallen
its demise is a moral
meant to be taught
through the ages

do not mistake
conceit for courage
for true strength comes
from humility
guard your heart
that you may not fall
into the pit of hubris

let people praise you
for your forbearance
and while others
look up to you
keep your feet on the ground
let history
rewrite your story

the downfall
is not your destiny