The first, essential task: repudiate
your parents. Reject their values and advice.
Make clear they have no right to legislate.
There will be rows, of course, but that’s the price.
The later task: reject the youthful you.
Remove the smirk from that conceited face.
It may take tens of years to see this through.
Slow and painful, like shedding a carapace.
The final, urgent task: repudiate
the first repudiation. Try to mend
the damage that you wrought. If not too late.
Assuming they’re still there to re-befriend.
