That Depends Poem by Jim Yerman

How important are parents in their children’s lives, how much influence do they extend
The answer is not complicated, simply...that depends.

Will your children grow up kind and loving? Will they be people you’re proud of?
That depends on if you’re teaching them kindness, warmth and love.

Will your children grow up with prejudices, will hate and bigotry ensue?
That depends on if they’re witnessing tolerance in you.

Will your children grow up generous, or will they in themselves be immersed
That depends of if your teaching them to put themselves or others first.

Will your children grow up greedy, will they take what isn’t theirs
That depends on if you’re teaching them to accumulate or share?

Will your children grow up happy or will they end up sad and blue.
There seems to be a pattern here for that depends on you.

So parents if you ever wonder how far your influence extends
Remember the answer’s not that difficult....in two words...that depends.