TEACH LOVE
Poetry by M. Linda Steffey

A Spiritual And Inspirational Poem from All-Creatures.org

What can you say to a child hurt by words
That slander his name or his race?
How can you heal and erase the pain
Just wiping the tears from his face?

How can you teach him to feel good inside?
To build his self-esteem?
Is it enough to teach him to pray
Forgiving those who are mean?

We must teach all children from birth
How unique and special they are!
So as they grow up into adults
They will reach for the brightest star!

When you feel bad inside it's as if you died
And you always think...."What's the use?"
And this bad feeling grows 'til outward it shows
A target of hate, of abuse!

'Til each person counts for what's in his heart
When each one is shown respect
Reinforcing good in every child's heart
Our society this will reflect!!

I think it is sad when a child thinks he's bad
Just because he is not like another
And he grows up to hate instead of to love
And ends up killing his brother!!

Think before speaking for words hurt the soul
And "hate words" reveal the heart
It is up to our children of all our tomorrows
For world peace..they're the place to start!.....

(c) M. Linda Steffey 1990