World, my son is growing up. He is starting on great adventures that will include wars, tragedy, and sorrow. To live his life in the world he has to live in, will require faith and love and courage. So, world, I wish you would sort of take him by his young hand and teach him the things he will have to know.
Teach him … but gently, if you can. He will have to learn, I know, that all men are not true. Teach him that for every scoundrel, there is a hero, that for every crooked politician, there is a dedicated leader. Teach him that for every enemy, there is a friend. Let him learn early that bullies are the easiest people to lick. Teach him the wonders of books.
Give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun, and flowers on a green hill. Teach him that it is far more honorable to fail then to cheat. Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone tells him they are wrong. Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone else is getting on the bandwagon.
Teach him to listen to all men – but to filter all he hears on a screen of truth, and to take only the good that comes through. Teach him to sell his brawn and brains to the highest bidders, but never to put a price tag on his heart and soul. Teach him to close his ears on a howling mob – and to stand and fight if he thinks he is right. Teach him gently, world, but don’t coddle him because only the test of fire makes fine steel. This is a big order, world, but see what you can do. He’s such a nice little fellow ….
Submitter:
Can be very hard to read if your son is nearby ..