My normally ebullient daughter, Elise felt dispirited. I must have made some heavy 
remarks that did not help her at all. So I wrote this poem urging that she feel free 
to do whatever she wanted in life. Elise's nickname is Yagen, based on my interpretation 
of a sound she made as an infant.  

14 Sept 2002
To Yagen

If you work 20 hours a day
Something's sure to give
You've more than earned the right to play.
Now go and seek your way to live.

When you came to me, your loving dad
And asked permission to be free.
My answer made you very sad.
But now the problem's you not me.

No longer do I have the right
To tell you what to do.
The time has come to see the light.
You're free to start the game anew.

When work becomes a boring grind.
Leave it with no trace of fear.        
Treat yourself and what you'll find
Is a life that you'll hold far more dear.

Long hard years spent on the run
Will sap your innate verve
Give yourself more time for fun
It's the least that you deserve.

Take the time to look around
And when you've found your groove
Your feet will float above the ground
Who gives a darn if I approve.

By now I think you've had your fill
But know my words do have their price
For it would be far better still
If I could heed my own advice.