-As your Parent-

 

I can share with you life, but

I can’t live it for you.

I can teach you things, but

I can’t make you learn.

I can give you freedom, but

I can’t account for it.

I can give you directions, but

I can’t always be there to lead you.

I can teach you to work, but

I can’t make you responsible.

I can take you to church, but

I can’t make you believe.

I can teach you to pray, but

I can’t make you pray.

I can teach you right from wrong, but

I can’t decide for you.

I can offer you advice, but

I can’t accept it for you.

I can teach you about life goals, but

I can’t achieve them for you.

I can teach you about sex, but

I can’t keep you pure.

I can teach you about

the bad effects of drugs, but

I can’t say No for you.

I can teach you how to be a good friend, but

I can’t make you be one.

I can show you faith, but

I can’t make you trust in God.

I can Love you as my child, but

I can’t make a place for you in Heaven.

I can tell you how to live, but

I can’t give you eternal life.

I can and will Love you forever….

As your parent.

Copyright By: Delores M. Sparks  2001

and published in “Poetry for the occasions of the Heart”.