This is a poem that I cut out several years ago. Although some of words show the age of the poem, its meaning is still relevant today.
Today
By Henry Matthew Ward
When I got mad and hit my child
“For his own good,” I reconciled,
And then, I realized my plight. . .
Today, I taught my child to fight.
When interrupted by the phone,
I said, “Tell them I’m not at home.”
And then I thought, and had to sigh. . .
Today, I taught my child to lie.
I told the tax man what I made,
Forgetting cash that I was paid;
And then I blushed at this sad feat. . .
Today, I taught my child to cheat.
I smugly copied a cassette,
To keep me free of one more debt.
But now the bells of shame must peal. . .
Today, I taught my child to steal.
Today, I cursed another race.
Oh God, protect what I debase,
For now, I fear it is too late.
Today, I taught my child to hate. . .
By my example, children learn
That I must lead in life’s sojourn
In such a way that they are led
By what is done, not what is said.
Today, I gave my child his due
By praises for him instead of rue.
And now I have begun my guide:
Today, I gave my child his pride.
I now have reconciled and paid
to IRS on all I made.
And now I know that this dear youth
Today has learned from me, of truth.
The alms I give are not for show,
I clasp within a warm embrace
My neighbor of another race
The great commandment from above.
Today, I taught my child to love.
Someday, my child must face alone
This world of fearsome undertone,
But I have blazed a sure pathway:
Today, I taught my child . . . to pray.
