The Twelve Things I Would Teach My Child

I know, my child dear, you are growing up physically, Your mind, I see, has been developing quizzically; As your flesh and blood, and bones intermingle in your growth, Shouldn't ethically fine fiber become your true troth...? While respecting your father, mother, sister, and brother, Shouldn't you respect, too, your neighbor and any other? Shouldn't each word you think and speak, at each moment, my child, Be truth and truth alone in your self-styled way - mild or wild...? Shouldn't, my child, your confidence combine with your kindness? And to your helpfulness to others, should you show blindness? Shouldn't you be industrious, and all the same, sincere? To call a spade a spade should you ever in your life fear...? Shouldn’t you accept your wrongs, while you're happy when you're right? Against the might, for the rights of the poor, shouldn't you fight? Shouldn't your love, just as humans, reach out to all creatures? Shouldn't optimism be the brightest of all your features...? Shouldn't you, to safeguard Mother Nature, always be bold? To esteem, the world as your household, shouldn't your mind, mold? Could you execute these, my child, in your life, as you grow? Shouldn't, like the priceless gems, your existence ever glow...??? 20 February 2023 The 12 Things You'd Teach Your Child Poetry Contest Sponsored by: Matt Caliri