“Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me… Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”
― Shel Silverstein

When my kids became the focal point of a prompt a day or so ago, memories of books we read together returned. Some I recall were authored by Shel Silverstein, favorites because the poetically humorous poems and stories. I ventured around a little to stir up some smiles and happened upon what he said above.

Part of it reminded me of how I described independence as they grew up. I had them envision being on this great open field, with a fence line way off in the distance. The boundary was there solely for their protection. Provided they thought, spoke and acted according to the rules they were raised under, they could run that field all over. They were entrusted with that level of independence.

The fence, as I said, was for their protection. If I sensed they are getting close, we might have a chat to discuss the need to respect that boundary. Did not want any harm to come their way. Once they were of a certain age, then they could leave it or move it. That was their responsibility then. It seemed to work. They all have their lives, their loves and are thriving.

And then, when I read this, the mention of the “impossibles, the wont’s and the never haves” struck another chord. The one orchestrated to sing the praises about being what you were meant to be, embracing the mission of life and finding your purpose. Never to set them on top of others. Just apart, and only in the sense that they were free to find themselves. That there was no boundary to their exploration.

That the fence had been taken down.

Mr Silverstein was spot on.

“Anything can happen, child.”

“Anything can be.”