They teach us not to cry for help

when danger isn't there.

They tell us of a story

of a boy who lied; “beware!”

 

They tell us not to wave a hand

and shout that there is danger-

when danger there is not, because?

“The world will turn a stranger.”

 

They say we will be cast aside,

and when we really need

the help we ask for- it won't come

as we're left out to bleed.

 

And it will be our fault, they say

and we agree, it's true!

For every child loves to see

a villain get their due.

 

But do they teach us how to know

when what we see is real?

How do we know if what we hear

is wolf, or squeaky wheel?

 

How do we tell apart the teeth

from shadows on a fence?

And if we get it wrong we risk

the price of recompense.

 

In doing this, perhaps they teach

a child not to cry

for fear of being wrong- and make

a mistake, branded: 'lie'.

 

This tale we teach might not teach what

we once supposed it ought;

instead of 'don't be naughty'

it has taught us

 

to say

 

naught.

 

We do not cry out 'wolf' when wolf

indeed is in our sight

because we're more afraid

of being wrong

than being right.