Poetry Friday: Back to Basics
If children live with criticism
they learn to condemnIf children live with hostility
they learn to fightIf children live with ridicule
they learn to be shyIf children live with shame
they learn to feel guiltyIf children live with tolerance
they learn to be patientIf children live with encouragement
they learn confidenceIf children live with praise
they learn to appreciateIf children live with fairness
they learn justiceIf children live with security
they learn to have faithIf children live with approval
they learn to like themselvesIf children live with acceptance and friendship
they learn to find love in the world
My mom, a kindergarten teacher, hung this poem by the well-known author “Anonymous” in the den of the house I grew up in. I had forgotten all about it till I stumbled upon it in 101 Poems to Get You Through the Day (and Night). Someone, please post it on my forehead! It may not be cutting-edge poetry… It may oversimplify human beings as programmable… It may not contain vivid language and daring metaphor. But I love it anyway.
Today’s Poetry Friday roundup is at The Drift Record.
7 Comments
Barbara H.
Sometimes simplest is best. I haven’t seen this poem in years, but it is an excellent reminder.
Bridget Magee
I love the message – no matter the poetic elements that delivered it. Thanks for sharing it with us today. =)
Julie Larios
I have favorite poems that won’t be studied in any graduate school classes either, but they are dear to my heart because they came from my mom or my grandmother – and they ring true. Thanks for posting this one of yours.
jama
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen this one. Definitely bears repeating and taking to heart once again. Thanks, Janet.
Joy Acey
My mom was a kindergarten teacher too and we had this one posted in the kitchen, along with one about being thankful to wash dirty dishes. Thanks for stirring the memories.
Ruth
Thanks for posting this!
Tabatha
It’s worth remembering, and taking to heart. “Desiderata” was one I had on my wall as a teenager.