Firstborn

My first and only son, Precious blood of my blood, What can I give to you To prepare you for this life? There is so much I want to show you— So many things to see, and hear, and feel, So many thoughts to think, and words to speak; So many ways to imagine and create I want to teach you everything I know— To be kind, humble, honest, and strong; To believe in yourself, and always try your best, No matter what you do I want you to do the right thing, even when it’s hard; To think for yourself, even if you’re wrong; To follow your dreams, however unlikely they may seem, And forge your own unique path I want you to question everything— To experiment and learn without shame or fear— To turn dark corners of ignorance and hatred Into beacons of knowledge and love I want you to know that life is a rare gift Billions of years in the making, And that countless others have come and gone Just to bring you here I want you to know that time is fleeting, With all its joys and heavy sorrows, So that you will always feel gratitude For everything you've been given But most of all—I want you to be happy, And share the joy you have with others, So when your time on earth is done, Your life will have been a force for good.