I Am A Child...Your Child Poem by Jim Yerman

I am a child…your child…and if you're ever going to help me to grow
then listen to me for a moment…there are some things I'd like you to know.

The time I am a child is short…it only lasts a while.
I learn how to be happy from you…I learn how to smile from your smile.

As my parents you were my gift…as I was a gift to you
If I see you lie and cheat and steal and swear…chances are I will too.

If you abuse me in any way…chances are I will never heal…
I may not remember all the things you do or say
but I'll never forget how they made me feel.

See me…listen to me…show me I matter…spend some quality time with me.
Love me for who I am…not for who you want me to be.

You see things a little differently than me…I have more time to play
You know there are 7 wonders in the world…but I see 7 million every day.

Your work is important but so am I…I'm not a distraction you can shirk…
In fact when, you stop to think about it, …I…am your most important work.

Most of all teach me to be accepting and kind
because, when I'm no longer a child…I want to comprehend
how to be a good person…a good husband, a good wife…and…a good friend.

Well, this is about the end of this list…the latest one I have complied…
I'm sorry if I'm skipping all over the place…but remember…I'm just a child

Since I only have one childhood…and it only lasts a short while
wouldn't it be great if, when I'm an adult…I can look back on my childhood…
and smile?

Oh, one more thing…I almost forgot…just something in your memory to keep…
Always…always…always kiss me goodnight…
even if I'm already asleep.