For Nodin upon his 13th birthday
by Vivian Todini
As you move into manhood...
May your courage be in your words and deeds.
May you keep yourself and others whom you love safe.
May your trust be grounded in instinct and self-respect.
May your fierceness be toward injustice.
May your power be strengthened by sharing it with others.
May diplomacy and thoughtful action be your sword.
May your bravery be bold yet not misguided.
May you judge neither yourself nor others harshly.
May patience and gentleness have room in your life.
May you nourish your spirit with song, art and laughter.
May you feed your intellect with curiosity and experiment.
May you embrace your fears with compassion and valor.
May the child within you always be heard.
May your passion always have voice.
May your soul receive the gifts of your passion.
May hope and vision lift the heaviness that sometimes calls.
May you love deeply, honestly and with respect.
May you hold a vision of peace for yourself and the world.
Man in Box
