Childhood Lessons
Tim Mullen
They sent me away to school
I learned from the teachers
Only 2 can get A’s on the curve
My family took me to church,
where I learned that God’s chosen few
know who’s best for me to love.
I grew up under a free government
led by the best and brightest
from the richest and most powerful families
Wonder Woman taught me that love is power
That a true leader knows when to follow
That chastisement may be a necessary means,
but never an end.
Captain America showed me the struggle
of being a Captain to all.
That friendship needn’t hamper authority,
and that titles are only that.
Magneto taught me to stand by
my people and my values, always.
That it’s never too late for a new idea,
a new course, or new friends.
Three noble institutions failed me as a child.
The Mythic heroes of a new age, as an adult, reconciled.