How I Grow Up Poem by Jim Yerman

Have you ever stopped to wonder…
as my world gradually expands
that the person I grow up to be…
is totally in your hands?

If you want me to be affectionate…
someone you'll always be proud of…
then your hands must teach me kindness,
teach me compassion,
teach me love.

If you want me to grow up without prejudice
without bigotry and hatred too…
then your hands must be accepting
must be tolerant and true…

If you want me to grow up to be generous…
with helping hands that care…
then I must see your hands give to others…
I must see them share.

If you want me to grow up to be creative…
to think for myself…again and again…
then you must let me get my hands get a little dirty…
and messy now and then.

Yes, isn't it amazing…
as my world gradually expands
That the person I grow up to be
Is totally in your hands.