"Adults Don't Tell Other Adults What To Do" [by Jordan Davis]

Adults don't tell other adults what to do.
This proposition strikes me as so important
I ought to preach it in the subway corridor --

Hello, hear the good news and the thank you --
Adults don't tell other adults what to do.
Because I am four years old I add "Know what else?"

But to go on would dilute this singular message,
Distract from its manifold consequence:
Adults don't tell other adults what to do.

We do however pay attention to each other
And speak freely of what we're feeling.
A person covered in shit or blood needs help.

An adult who harms her- or himself repeatedly --
Looking away is still paying attention.
Getting an MSW, praying, voting, going to the bar --

Speak freely to me of what you're feeling.
I know and respect you, and am aware --
Adults don't tell other adults what to do

-- Jordan Davis
from New England Review