Advice

They say to color inside the lines,
But think outside the box,
They say to keep one step ahead,
But still turn back the clocks.

They say to wash my hands with soap,
But then to hug a tree,
They say discrimination's wrong,
While on a killing spree.

They say to blend into the crowd,
But also stay unique,
They say to have an outspoken voice,
While still remaining chic.

They say to listen to my folks,
But still to swerve and sway,
Insist I play by all their rules
When none have been displayed.

They say to follow on their path,
But take untrodden road,
They urge my questions to come forth,
While stuck in silent mode.

Demand the perfect answer to
Queries they have not posed,
Expect me to still read their mind,
With privacy imposed.

They say that all will come to end,
But new cannot be taught,
They say to climb my way up top,
While keeping down my thoughts.

They contradict and contravene,
They mix and mash and mold,
They play my heart on plucked bow strings,
With wisdoms of the old.