let them fail

let them fail.

don't discourage

the path they're

on,

but let them

fall.

let them know defeat.

the taste

of struggle.

let them go hungry

and shoeless.

let them find their own

way.

all your words

of praise

and guidance will

fall on deaf ears.

let them know the darkness.

the height of

mountains,

the depth of oceans.

let them know fear.

let them find the light

on their own,

and then, maybe then

they'll be truly ready

for life.

all will become clear.