Magical Thinking

When I grow up, I know what I’ll be

A doctor, an engineer, a Captain at sea

I could heal the sick – or solve an environmental quandary

Command a naval fleet - like William F. Halsey

I’ll wear an ecological breastplate and bullet proof armor

I’ll shield myself from illness, iniquity - error

I’ll emulate the actions of those wiser than I

I won’t presuppose, lecture, or lie

I'll publish prolifically and earn the highest distinctions

Recognition and affluence - my only afflictions

I’ll be a trustworthy friend - and my parent’s pride

In duplicity and calculation I could never hide

But it was within those walls that I authored this story

It was there that I wove a future of virtue and glory

One shielded from sickness, sin, and calamity

One impervious to indulgence, regret and ignominy

Into a middle age pond, my aging self reflected

Putative vocations – all since rejected

No bulwarks had frustrated disillusionment or strife

No parapets portended an unsullied life

For such malfunction – inadvertent or deliberate

For pain inflicted – and actions inconsiderate

For every selfish act and times of moral insolvency

A child's soul bids fervent apology

Her castle was sand - her dollhouse synthetic
Puerile delusion less than prophetic 
Never will she seek to cast the first stone
Never will she let someone else feel alone