I know

 You were told you were loved

      and you said:" I know."

You were told

      to work hard in school

       that good grades

       pave life's rough roads,

      that boys are crushed

       when girls are smart,

       and girls need to be good

       in mathematics,

       and finally that cheerleading

       isn't dumb.

And you said:" I know".

You were told

      about the magic

      of books and sunsets

      and of atoms and dinosaurs,

      and all your special gifts.

You said: "I know".

You seemed so wise

       or maybe cocky.

But there are many things

       never told you.

Did you know the pain others feel,

      the mistakes they have made,

       or that many would live

       their lives differently.

Had you been told,

       would you have said: "I know."

And when you learn

       that we are all fearful,

       will you say:

"I know grandpa,

       but so am I."?