The Child's Veil
by Carl Santoro
Perhaps some other child
began pulling it
maybe a slow pull
or a sudden jerk
You felt the pain
nevertheless.
It once covered your mind
with the innocence
of the child's world,
protected by adults to
keep you happy
Happy living in the wonderland
known as planet earth.
In the wonderland mindset
they set up for you.
You had helped them
wish for a
white Christmas
where flying reindeer and a
rolly polly bearded Santa
would visit your house
You had helped them
wish for a
brown bunny
large, tall and chocolate,
who sat in plastic grass,
among multi-colored
jelly beans, and
who would visit your house.
You said yes when they
offered the bacon
with your
happy feet pancakes
Yes when they
drove to a window
that handed out
happy hamburgers
Yes when they
flavored the white milk
with happy chocolate
Yes when they added
yellow cheese to
your yellow happy eggs
Blow out the candles
your veil is gone at seven.
What do you do now
with the happy truth?
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Author's Note
I received a handout from this organization at the event:
www.healthyschoolfood.org
Other stories by Carl Santoro
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Fresh back from my participation in the Veggie Pride Parade in NYC, I am reminded that things we teach our children can become part of who they are, especially in their thinking. As a vegan, for 7 years now, I realize it would be easier to introduce a seven year old to the lifestyle than try to convince a 30 year old (or older) to convert. The sad truth about the happy truths should be told at some point, no? Your thoughts?
Good imagery. I like the poem - especially the closing stanzas:
"Blow out the candles
your veil is gone at seven.
What do you do now
with the happy truth?"
*
I absolutely love this poem. Powerful writing.*
Good question at the end. *