How do I mark the line

Between a compelling truth and your fantasy?

Those primary teachers that taught you well

Made your spirit swell beyond the reality

Of childhood dreams that friends and family stoke indulgently.

Loving adults-cowardly in their kindness,

Added fuel to your fire!

Afraid brutal criticism would kill your untamed desire

And leave you weak-broken-perhaps uninspired.

Follow your dreams! Go Girl! Go for it boy!

You're a champion! You're a legend!

Every one gets a medal in soccer these days!

But  trained eyes  weep to see your skills;

The  melody you sing is hopelessly out of tune.

(Why did we shy from telling you that?)

The tunes that you play really need fine tuning.

(Why did we shy from telling you that?)

Those paintings are for the side walk.

(Why did we shy from telling you that?)

The sport you played was simply good for your health.

(Why did we shy from telling you that?)

Who was going to tell you the truth?

We grew up to stark reality in days gone by.

But now they talk to extremes; of self esteem- self expression-self ......

I will be selfish now and applaud your way to a fool's paradise.