Childhood ~ Teach Them Where To Go

Would you dam the flowing river,

Thinking it would cease to flow?

Onward it must go forever --

Better teach it where to go.

Childhood is a fountain welling,

Trace its channel in the sand,

And its currents, spreading, swelling,

Will revive the withered land.

Childhood is the vernal season;

Trim and train the tender shoot;

Love is to the coming reason,

As the blossom to the fruit.

Tender twigs are bent and folded --

Art to nature beauty lends;

Childhood easily is moulded;

Manhood breaks, but seldom bends.

Childhood by David Bates