The Ingredients That Count Poem by Randall Vanlandingham

(dedicated to my parents)

Snakes and snails and puppy-dog tails,
That make-up, a little boy brings.
The grimy and slimy, the teeter and totter,
All come from these earlier things.
Ingredients left out of this recipe card
Can spell a disaster, for sure;
Like flour in bread, and water in Jello,
Without them, the recipe's poor.

Adding Mom to the elements of boyhood and growth,
Puts sugar and spice in the mix.
Her tender embrace when the bicycle flips,
Or the skateboard brings bruises and nicks,
Is typical, magical; bondings are formed,
With pure Love, hugs all pains far away,
And Mother's remarks of the snakes, snails, and tails
Puts spice in the day's muddy play.

The definitive additive needed right now
Is critical for growing young men.
With Dad's firm instructions, examples, and hands,
He's the mentor that shapes, like a tin.
Guiding the recipe in well-rounded forms,
Dad's Love is so vital, every ounce.
So, don't try making boys leaving anything out,

Honor parents, the ingredients that count!