Don’t call this fledgling to a strict account.
\nHe has not glided in the wider world,
\nNor even left his nest, and no amount
\nOf flapping of his wings, so new-unfurled,
\nCan really substitute for honest flight.
\nHe doesn’t understand the atmosphere,
\nThe updrafts and the currents, but he might
\nBecome a thinker and a writer here.
\nHe has a lot to learn of content, yes,
\nBut also that opponents may respect
\nEach other, disagreeing none the less,
\n(A thought on which some others could reflect.)
\nLet’s tolerate his rudeness for the nonce:
\nRemember that we all were callow once.<\/p>\n
Originally posted on Making Light<\/a>, in reaction to an incipient dogpile.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Don’t call this fledgling to a strict account. He has not glided in the wider world, Nor even left his nest, and no amount Of flapping of his wings, so new-unfurled, Can really substitute for honest flight. He doesn’t understand the atmosphere, The updrafts and the currents, but he might Become a thinker and a … Continue reading Gently with the newbies<\/span>