Don't Educate Me Mom

Don't educate me mom
for I might have dreams
different from yours.

Don't educate me mom
for I might want to make choices
that will make you cringe.

Don't educate me mom
for I might want to take care of you
and choose not to marry.

Don't educate me mom
for I might stand up to dad
and reject his views.

Don't educate me mom
for I might fall in love
and embarrass your family.

Don't educate me mom
for I might have ambitions
greater than your aspirations.

Don't educate me mom
for you might not find a man
who respects an independent woman.

Don't educate me mom
for I might bring up my children
different to how you brought me up.

Don't educate me mom
for I might end up hurting you
when I make my own choice.

With education,
I will learn to think.
I will learn to form my opinions
and expand my horizons.
I will learn to build relationships
failing in some.
I will form my own values
and choose my own life journey.

Choose to keep me home,
my dear mom for I love you.

Educate me and
I will be
my own person
and lose your love.

A dedication to the many women in my life and work who are fighting to be their own person in their own families.