Allow your family to earn pride from your life,

but don’t let that drive your future – disinherit

yourself from the dread pawn shop of parental pride.

 

Yesteryear’s values are manifested today,

as we’re taught that previous generation’s life

strategies should be our perpetuate creed also.

 

Ignore the towering expectation, which would

propel you into adulthood living elder

generation’s persistent, enduring methods.

 

Time allows change – what has gone before can be left,

lessons informing innovative approaches

to modern life: open, tolerant, progressive.

 

Understand your self, how your ancestral baggage

is bequeathed, and develop your own life values,

making sure they’re not a legacy you’d regret.