He asks his father for a dollar,
Instead tells him to become a scholar.

He digs into all his books,
Yet nothing ever really took.

Growing up, thinking he’s a failure,
Understanding he’ll never major.

Encouragement was never given,
Expected, neglected, but never driven.

“You could have done better”
Is all he heard,
Wishing so badly he could be a nerd.

A slice of advice to the father,
Would you, could you say that to your daughter?

Intelligence is not a science,
But you were supposed to be there for guidance.

Instead, you discouraged and degraded,
Now the only will and hope he has faded.

Would you go back and do it over?
Instead, would you lend your shoulder?

All he does is try to make you proud,
But all you do is spread more doubt.