My Sons, , , Poem by Joseph Henry Gaines

Stand tall, walk proud
Never too brash or never too loud,
Lead from the front, lead as you live
Be wary how you take and wise when you give,
Protect your honour and stand by what you trust
Even if it means returning to dust,
Watch your words closely, never barter with talk
It is stronger to listen than join the walk,
Be vigilant to lies, see through their verses
Judgement is silence than deal in curses,
Silently study the ways of the weak
Then trust in you view and let your heart speak,
Never be prudish, be open to all
Yet know the decision is yours to call,
Be confident in your body, be solid, but care
The greatest of men is the one who is fair,
If you are challenged with uncertainty then take a retreat
It is better to think than rush to defeat,
Remember my son to use your head wise
Never be bitter never show despise,
Compassion and empathy are what makes you strong
Helping first will never make you wrong,
Live your life free and don’t hang your head in shame
You have a duty to your children who will carry your name,
When all seems lost, you must reach within
Sometimes it will be hard when it’s easier to sin,
But remember your background, and who you are
Know that my love will never be far,
You will soon be a man with the world as your stage
So live it free and not in a cage,
The worst kind of prison is the one in your mind
Walk past your fears and never look behind,
It is your life to live so you live it free
Be yourself for all to see,
The most precious of gifts is my advice to be true
But it is your life my son and yours to do.....