To AJ on his Bar Mitzvah

There comes a day
When childhood's wraps
Are cast aside
And old religious norms
Proclaim and give you
Manhood's rights;
But take it gently, son,
It's never borne too light,
Your new-found strength
Will certainly appeal,
But burdens you never knew
Will soon become quite real,
Yet, you must cope with them
And do the best you can
To squarely face the world,
My son,
Today - you are a man.

Alfred Charasz
Copyright 2008 Alfred Charasz