The Child's Plea

The Child's Plea

Let me do it myself.
That's the way I learn.

My fingers aren't nimble
movement's not refined,
my judgement is shaky
but don't keep me confined.

Experience is lacking
but how will I grow?
I need your faith and your love,
I have to stumble, I know.

Let me discover answers
it may be slower now,
but next time I'll remember
the "why" and the "how."

I'll think independently
if just given the chance,
then on future issues
I'll take a responsible stance.

Do me a favor,
please set me free.
Too much assistance
won't let me be me.

Help me do it myself
is all that I ask,
for I am becoming...
that is my life's task.

Patricia Feltin
1987