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TODAY
By Henry Matthew Ward When I got mad and hit my child
“For his own good,” I reconciled,
And then, I realized my plight . . .
Today I taught my child to fight.
When interrupted by phone, I said,
“Tell them I’m not at home.”
And then I thought, and had to sigh . . .
Today, I taught my child to lie.
I told the tax man what I made,
Forgetting cash that I was paid;
And then I blushed at this sad feat . . .
Today, I taught my child to cheat.
I smugly copied a cassette,
To keep me free of one more debt.
But now the bells of shame must peal . . .
Today, I taught my child to steal.
Today, I cursed another race.
Oh God, protect what I debase;
For now I fear it is too…