Manifesto for Rachel

A page taken from a rain-soaked notebook found in the park:
Songs for my daughter

1. We will defy expectation in every sense and direction. We will be happy because we will continue to change. Let no one chain you with convention or use words to box you. Find joy in regeneration.

2. We will count by thousands the raindrops, and name each one. Conversation will showcase our ability to bear tension. Fear not silence.

3. We know that words have power. We decide then to be powerful. The truly strong have no need to prove their strength in contests. We will make gifts of words. They will be draped over moments, not objects and protect us all.

4. We will swallow the world, and have no worry for indigestion.

5. We will have voice: Unique, confidant, strong, and ours. This will not be our weapon but our banner. We will have visions and share with others.

6. Language is a game we play. There are points and rules too infinite and intricate to mention. We learn this game by jumping in, cannonball style: Plug your nose if you must. There are no victors, in the strictest sense. But if there were; it would be us.

7. We will not fear fugitive stars, or shoot them from below. We will respect that they have found their path and be bolstered by it.