| Childhood Wisdom
(A Prayer Before Dawn) Only when we all grow old can we so clearly know That which would have helped to ease our path so long ago Poised today on the brink of life, had I a crystal ball, I could see the priceless things I needed most of all I would ask my parents for these things before my birth Things they need to buy that are priceless in their worth! At first, I won’t appreciate them much, to tell the truth The value of these gifts may not yet dawn on me in youth But give me, with your love, the discipline I’ll surely need To keep me focused on those things that help me to succeed That I am not the only soul on earth, I need to know So teach me to respect the needs of others as I grow Give me boundaries so I won’t get lost in life’s maze I will feel secure and loved beneath your watchful gaze Be consistent with your rules, so I’ll know where you stand Though I may not yet agree, I’ll flourish by your hand If I’m granted everything that‘s asked for or implied, It is certain I will never feel quite satisfied One’s own tantrums, that is all an untrained youngster hears If I listen, I will learn; if spoiled, I’ll close my ears Teach me, if I hurt someone, empathy and remorse Conscience is the compass that will keep my life on course I wish to be someone who will cherish every day Enriching my own life, and lives of others along the way Self-esteem does not diminish when tasting humble pie Without consequences; without guidance, where am I? So I ask that, while I grow, I learn these things each day They will stay with me when all the toys are put away. |
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