These are the strangers, we pass them by,

and teach the children,

while they are still sequestered to hold our hand,

please never speak to the

strangers,

yet, while we stroll by,

look and stare, and judge and define,

like mom and dad,

so that when you grow older,

you won’t nearly have the same trepidation,

toward judging those around you,

because your value system has gradually,

over time,

milkshakes, animated cartoons, muppets,

Sesame Street letter, numbers and cookies,

all lessons bringing our reality together.

~

Forget about what’s inside,

at least while someone is watching,

especially a stranger nearby,

sad lives.