Game 11

CHI 103               PHX 97

I’ve never been all the way sure
How to play with children
Once they reach a certain age.

Once they move beyond
The phase of pure imagination.

Once they go
From collaborative
To competitive.

Once we are playing
Against
Each other.

Am I supposed to let them win?

That’s how I see a lot of people play it.

But what kind of lessons
Does that teach them?

Honestly?

Beacause
The truth is:
If this were for real
I would absolutely destroy them.

I mean,
They’re little kids.

So what is this?

Some strange lesson in pity
Or privilege?

The virtues of cuteness and manipulation?

That it doesn’t take work
To achieve life’s victories.

Feels like scattering some toxic seeds.
And it goes against something
Inside of me.

Puts sour taste
In my mouth--
Like I’ve given up
On more than just the game.

So I let them stay close.

I let my guard down
Just enough
To keep it fun.

I try to use it as a chance
To teach good lessons.

At least
I think I do.

But kids are so damn weird
And fragile--

And so sometimes I worry
That I’ve got it all wrong.

That the only lesson
That even matters is:
Anything is possible.