if i had children
i would teach them
to be kind to others
to respect their elders
to help others when they are able
and to never gossip
nor listen to it

i would teach them
to love God's animals
and to never, never
be cruel to them
for they ask so little of us
yet they give back so much


i would encourage them to
take care of their souls
to always be true
to themselves
to not be afraid
of making a mistake
and i'd die trying to give them
a love that would make them strong

i would encourage them to
be honest in their dealings with others
to always try to do their best
but to remember not to take
themselves too seriously
to laugh and to have fun
that it's okay to be silly sometimes
so walk softly and
carry a big breadstick

Faith Elizabeth Brigham

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/walk-softly/