Father and Son

  Be more than his dad,

  Be a chum to the lad;

  Be a part of his life

  Every hour of the day;

  Find time to talk with him,

  Take time to walk with him,

  Share in his studies

  And share in his play;

  Take him to places,

  To ball games and races,

  Teach him the things

  That you want him to know;

  Don't live apart from him,

  Don't keep your heart from him,

  Be his best comrade,

  He's needing you so!

  Never neglect him,

  Though young, still respect him,

  Hear his opinions

  With patience and pride;

  Show him his error,

  But be not a terror,

  Grim-visaged and fearful,

  When he's at your side.

  Know what his thoughts are,

  Know what his sports are,

  Know all his playmates,

  It's easy to learn to;

  Be such a father

  That when troubles gather

  You'll be the first one

  For counsel, he'll turn to.

  You can inspire him

  With courage, and fire him

  Hot with ambition

  For deeds that are good;

  He'll not betray you

  Nor illy repay you,

  If you have taught him

  The things that you should.

  Father and son

  Must in all things be one--

  Partners in trouble

  And comrades in joy.

  More than a dad

  Was the best pal you had;

  Be such a chum

  As you knew, to your boy.

 

                      by Edgar Albert Guest