Recklessness Poem by RIC BASTASA

we were not reckless really
when we were so young
your cheeks as pink as peaches
my fingers as firm as twigs
you got hurt you once told me
when i had fears touching you
we were so young then
and the words of the elders
were always harsh and threatening

we were not reckless really
we always obeyed them
bowing our heads and kissing
their hands and not answering
back and obeying them
without any complaint

we were not reckless to the
letter of the law and to every
dictates of their cruelty
and they successfully crushed
the love that was so lively
inside our young hearts

and then they all died and we
offered prayers but deep within
our hearts we wanted to tell them
they have caused us so much sorrow

and now we do not really know
how to be happy we have forgotten
every guide even for little joys
they have converted us into stones
numb, unfeeling and dead.