My Conviction

You know, kids
I wish every mom and dad would make a speech
To their teenagers
And say, "Kids, be free
Be whatever you are
Do whatever you want to do
Just so long as you don't hurt anybody
And remember, kids
I am your friend"

I would just like to say
That it is my conviction
That longer hair and other flamboyant affectations
Of appearance are nothing more
Than the male's emergence
From his drab camouflage
Into the gaudy plumage
Which is the birthright of his sex

There is a peculiar notion
That elegant plumage
And fine feathers
Are not proper for the male
When actually
That is the way things are in most species