These crumpled words adrift in time
At sea on waves of bottled rhyme
My message to an unborn child
An island echo from the wild
Beware of those who claim the truth
Who always speak with certainty
Embrace the dreams of hopeful youth
But don’t get lost in fantasy
Stay clear of those who feed the grey
Who only praise the dutiful
Rejoice in random acts of play
And treasure all that’s beautiful
Stand up for those who would be free
Who only need a chance to shine
Oppose all forms of slavery
Especially thoughts that chain the mind
Look up to those who serve to lead
Who nurture buds and water shoots
Find love and tend it like a seed
That takes its time to put down roots
These bottled words, uncorked at last
Imbued with wishes from the past
A phantom speech upon the shore
My invitation to explore
— Wayne Visser