The Sinning Me Poem by Randy McClave

Of the traits that might I pass down to my children or child
I hope one is not to grow up being wild,
Nor do I want them to drink or to ever smoke
I would hate for them to become a drunk, or to choke.

I would hate to think that my children did what I did
Because, my faults and addictions I would not forbid,
I would also hate to hear them to swear or to curse
Sometimes actions from deeds, you cannot ever reverse.

And when my sweet children become adults
The way that I am will become their results,
I hope that they don't ever lie or cheat or steal
And I hope unlike me, that they will have a stronger will.

I don't want my children to become hateful and mean
From what I have done or from what I have seen,
In my life I have done many bad and shameless things
From smoking and drinking and cursing and flings.

I hope that my children never do take drugs
And I hope that they are not bullies or antagonists or thugs,
When I think of the many things that I have already done
I wished that I had walked away, or better yet, did run.

I would hate to think that many years from now
That from my bad choices, immorality my children did allow,
I would then also hate to look upon my family tree
Then to see that my children, had become me.

Randy L. McClave