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 to 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 the 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


author known only to God