TO "T" WITH LOVE

I've written many poems, but never one to you.
I don't need a special day that is true.
For all the birthdays that you've had, I recall a few,
Because on those rare occasion I wasn't there with you.

We live with someone special and whom we love too,
But seldom take the moments to tell then that we do.
Not saying, "I Love You" enough or too much too,
May cause a loved one to doubt what's really true.

You are far more special in each and every way,
Then all the birthdays to come, or those of yesterday.
I'd walk a thousand miles to deliver this poem to you,
But since you're just next door, I'll be over in a few.

Thank you for the love and care you express each day,
Not for the things you give, but for the things you do and say.
Some thoughts I choose to express are difficult to understand, I know,
But its who I am, allow me to experience them and grow.

Nothing I will ever do is intended to hurt you in any way,
For it's you who control how you interpret the things I do and say.
We choose each other for reasons we may not fully understand,
But of one thing I am certain, this is all in God's plan.

TEACHING VALUES

We teach a child to be generous and give,
And tell him that is the only way to live.
But for a child it's not his natural way,
Extending his arms to give things away.

Made to feel guilty if he doesn't share,
A child may not understand or care.
Labeled "greedly" if he doesn't give,
Resentment and anger builds as he lives.

It doesn't take long the damage is done,
He quickly learns that giving is not fun.
A conflict forms about this giving law,
When he's told not giving is a character flaw.

He sees adults, who don't appreciate,
And use giving as a ploy to bait.
He learns that giving is a way to manipulate,
Not as a quality one should emulate.

Many other values are taught to this youth,
But by now he is skeptical of its truth.
Because those who taught him don't live life that way.
When asked, "why", they reply, "don't do as I do, do as I say".

Just one more reason why the world is in such a state,
Most loved ones only talk, don't model or demonstrate.
A child learns best, when we live what we teach,
Not even children like to hear hypocrites who preach.