They Ask Me

The little kids

Ask for advice.

"What's middle school like? Seventh grade?"

They ask what to do and

Where to go and

What they should prepare for.

I could give them a list

Like my teachers gave me.

I could give them nothing at all.

But no one told me

About the little things

Everyone tries to ignore.

"Tell people when

You really care.

Show them that you do.

Don't try to protect your heart from people

And let them love you, too.

Don't think of all the little things

Don't let details drag you down.

Don't get jealous so easily

If he says he does, he will."

I tell them this

But nothing could

Possibly prepare them.

They'll have to learn it on their own

As their world begins to bend.