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