BY EXAMPLE
                                            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
          And yet, this child must surely know
          That charity is worth the price;
          Today, he saw my sacrifice.

          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.
 

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