At the wise and sage age of eight Izz wondered why (if she was so committed to the idea of freedom of oppression for all peoples) his mother would not allow him the basic human right of midnight cycling.
Yes, you can ride your bike now, but you may not.
And sometimes parents have to be that mean.
You feel you’re being oppressed But I would say not.
Oppression’s not a thing that you have seen.
Yes, I am laying down a regulation
You could go out and cycle now, you’re right.
It has nothing to do with earth’s rotation:
A bike will go fast, whether day or night
Riding at night, in darkness, carries dangers
And you are young and so you need your rest
The night’s a time of shadows, chills and strangers
So stay inside at night: that would be best.
When you are older, you may ride by moonlight
But just for now, you have to stay inside.
Go back to bed. You know it will be soon light.
And when the sun’s up, then, my dear, you’ll ride.
Tom Juniper Poetry 