Just Like His Dad

 

"Well, what are you going to be, my boy,

when you have reached manhood's years...

A doctor, a lawyer, or actor great,

Throngs moving to laughter and tears?"

 

But he shook his head, as he gave reply

In a serious way that he had;

" I don't think I'd care to be any of them;

I want to be just like my dad!"

 

He wants to be like his dad! You men,

Did you ever think, as you pause

That the boy who watches your every move

Is building a set of laws?

 

He's molding a life you're the model for,

And whether it's good or bad

Depends upon the kind of example set

To the boy who'd be like his dad.

 

Would you have him go everywhere you go?

Have him do just the things you do?

And see everything that your eyes behold,

And woo all the gods you woo?

 

When you see the worship that shines in his eyes

Of your lovable little lad,

Could you rest content if he gets his wish

And grows up to be like his dad?

 

It's a job none but yourself can fill,

It's a charge you must answer for.

It's a duty to show him the road to tread

Ere he reaches his manhood's door.

 

It's a debt you owe for the greatest joy

On this old earth to be had...

The pleasure of having a boy to raise

Who wants to be like his dad!

 

Author: Charles H. Swift Sr.

Dedicated to his son Jeremy
(who is a new dad)

~~~**~~~ 

Ignore those who say it's too late to start over!

 

"Not everything that is faced can be changed,
but nothing can be changed until it is faced."