Like the Japanese girl I saw
Whom her perfectionistic parents
Had trained for ambulatory cramming -
But not to look out for traffic.
The futuristic hour is coming
When the breeding and teaching of alphas
Could be ritual in a Brave New World,
Where the parents themselves will be
Programmed to soak up the competitive ethos.
They may feel that this scientific potential
Should not be controlled or guided
But followed wherever it may lead. -
They may be the sort of parents
Who are easily led.
Others are surely led by their exasperation.
Now watch the corrosion of kids in Superstores,
The happy consumers’ parade ground,
Where constructive guidance and requests are
Bartered for persistent commands and rebukes,
Where the dumb play of dogs is borne out
By the even dumber play of their trainers.
The repulsion of two negative emotions
Can have no positive resultant in the self.
What meagre shivers of encouragement
And praise have to serve these children
To forge into their adult defensive shield!