A/N:
SPOILER WARNING! This poem is about Kenshin and Kaoru's son Kenji and
some of my own advice given to him about how to respect your elders!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
-
Inheritance

Inheritance
A word familiar to young men
To follow in the footsteps of their father
Whatever that may be
To trail the path worn by those who came before
Whatever the danger or dread

Why follow the way of a father
When one can find his own way?
Why listen to the words of the elder
When one's own heart can lead?

The young become deaf to the older
Never wishing to listen to wiser words
Always desiring the unlimited
Always wanting what one cannot have

The gift of a heritage is priceless
Unless the one giving is scorned
Shame and retribution follow the offspring
Until the bloodline is no more

Young man, let not the past haunt you
Whether it belongs to you or not
Love the teacher, the father, and the wise ones
And listen to their words