I wanted to share one of my favorite poems with you all. I hope you like it.
The Reflections Of A Father
I can give you life,
But only you can live it.
I can teach you the truth,
But only you can learn it.
I can give you directions,
But only you can follow.
I can offer you advice,
But you can make it hollow.
I can teach you right from wrong,
But the choices will be your own.
I can teach you self respect,
But honor is earned by you alone.
I can advise you about sex,
But I can't keep you pure.
I can teach you the facts of life,
But Your reputation I can't assure.
I can tell you about drink,
And where not to go.
I can warn you about drugs,
But only you can say no.
I can tell you about life's goals,
But only you can choose right.
I can teach you about kindness,
But only you can walk in the light.
I can warn you about sins,
But I can't make you moral too.
I can teach you not to lie
But only you can choose to be true
I can teach you to share,
But only you can choose to give.
I can teach you about Jesus,
But only you can choose to live.
I can love you unconditionally
But I can’t receive it for you
And I Can be always be a real dad
But only the heart will know if that’s true.
With all my love for you my child
Your Dad
CTxPoet
Brother Charles Avery
© 2000 revised 2003