A baby arrives with no pain or fear.
It’s a blank book when it arrives here.
You, the parents, imprint the child’s mind.
Prejudice, hate, fear….everything you find
Was put there by the parents who became a model.
They instilled these feelings as the baby began to toddle.

If only parents realized that they are watched and mirrored each day,
Perhaps they’d become careful as they teach and play.
Because without this realization, bad feelings will exist an remain.
And the world will never be rid of prejudice and pain.
So the next time you say something derogatory or rude,
Just stop and realize that your child will be just as crude.

Leave a model for your child that is descent and kind,
And he’ll grow up to be strong and good with an unprejudiced mind!

By Ann Leyh