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Writer's pictureL. Roy Aiken

Raise the Child, Save the Man

Updated: Jul 10, 2021

Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it. -- GOSPEL OF MARK 10:15 (NKJV)


A little boy doesn’t need

to drink himself to sleep

a little boy doesn’t need

cigarettes to inspire his art

or steady his nerves

a little boy smiles at the sight

of a pretty woman but

knows no desire


A little boy is tempted only

by candy and ice cream

but understands they are treats

to be indulged only once

in a while so whenever

he gets them

he treasures

the memory


He’s happy with a book

with or without pictures

happy with his toys

loves his pets

loves his mom and dad


A little boy loves a happy song

runs into the sunshine excited

for whatever’s next

looks forward to everything

dreads nothing


Every day an exciting adventure

every night a pure sleep’s passage

into joyous morning


This old man’s memory

is not so bad

I have known much of the

casual cruelty

of which children are capable

and have sinned thus

myself


It is the unencumbered joy I seek

to be the son of a Father who loves me

I have no ambition to be the greatest

of all in Heaven


I want a life without worry

without anxiety and fear

I want a life I’m happy to live

every day


to explode from my bed

in the mornings

knowing today

we go out for ice cream.


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