Hold out your hand,
I have something offer.
Why do you turn away?
It is a gift
That will not bite or scratch;
There are no thorns to catch
Your skin,
Though if you swallow it
It may yet leave a mark.
I grew it in my garden,
You will be surprised to hear.
Sowed the seed long ago,
Watered it and let it grow,
Nurtured it and fertilized
The soil around its roots,
Pruned it back
To see new shoots
Appear each year;
And now it has borne fruit
Which I have here
And freely give to you.
Why do you shake your head?
It will not poison you
Like Snow White’s apple,
Or make you choke,
Nor shrink you down like Alice.
Will you not take it?
It is a guide, a map, a light,
Rapunzel's hair let down,
A trail of breadcrumbs,
To lead you through the night.
I ask nothing for it,
Want nought in return
And you don’t have to
thank me at all -
Just reach out your hand,
Oh beautiful youth,
Swallow your pride
And take what I proffer.
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