Who were born in places where we wouldn't be caught dead, Who never go to the circus, Who live in an X-rated world. We pray for children who bring us sticky kisses and fistfuls of dandelions, Who like to sleep with the dog, Who insists on burying goldfish, Who hug us in a hurry and forget their lunch money, Who sing off key, Who squeeze the toothpaste all over the sink. Who have watched their parents die, Who can't find any bread to steal, Who don't have a bedroom to clean up, Whose pictures aren't on anybody's dresser, Whose monsters are real. We pray for children who hide their dirty clothes under the bed, Who throw tantrums in the grocery store, Who pick at their food, Who like to tell ghost stories, Who love visits from the tooth fairy, Who don't like to be kissed in front of the school bus. We pray for children who want to be carried, We pray for children who must be carried, We pray for children who will grab the hand of anyone kind enough to offer it.
Children Learn What They Live If children live with critism, They learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, They learn to fight. If children live with fear, They learn to be apprehensive. If children live with ridicule, They learn to be shy. If children live with shame, They learn to feel guilty. If children live with tolerance, They learn to be patient.