Prologue

An introduction to a poetic expression of proverbial wisdom for a young man.

                   Prologue

My son, father time has betrayed us all,
Years have swept by and you’ve grown tall.
You've remained our earthly treasure and,
We have loved you beyond any measure.

This life is showing you all of its paths,
Youthful joy is not hidden in your laugh.
And as all your wisdom becomes a crown,
Forget not the faith by which you’re bound.

To you my son, all these words I leave,
That in their goodness you may cleave.
So that after the Master demands my soul,
They would guide you along life’s road.

Contained within the pages of this book,
Is the knowledge of life from which I took.
Because I have loved you unconditionally,
It’s my desire that you read them faithfully.

Perhaps as well, it might also be fulfilled,
My children’s children have it instilled.
Son, hand this down for every generation,
Then they could see my love and adoration.

Every chapter contained within these pages,
Have lessons about times when trouble rages.
Some were learned from mistakes that I made,
The rest from foundations the Bible has laid.

Remember, after I have departed from earth,
Problems will assail even a man with worth.
But you my son, should be aptly prepared,
As you have read these words I’ve declared.
 

Reviews

[☮]

Classic. This is what I will tell my son, when the time is right. Very man-to-man, prolific and honest.

This hits hard:

"Remember, after I have departed from earth,
Problems will assail even a man with worth.
But you my son, should be aptly prepared,
As you have read these words I've declared."

Powerful and touching. Nice write.

[Mark]

What a fortunate lad, whose father cares for him so deeply, to write so thoughtfully about matters so vital. Can hardly wait to see the rest!

[BLFK]

Beautiful words!
Beautiful idea.
I am excited to begin. . .

[David Lewis Paget]

If the book is as well written as the prologue, then I'm sure that the young man in question will be proud to not only read and savour your knowledge, but also to pass the book down to your descendants. It reminds me a lot of Kipling, in 'If'. I shall be keeping my eye open for further developments.
David.

[Angelic Darkness]

And so the journey begins. This is written beautifully. I know you have
put much inspiration and wisdom is what is coming. AD

[Gandré]

this was soo beautiful, Todd. I t hink, now he discovered life by a great poetical guidance. Yes, like the reviewer below said - parents must love the truth and live love, the education is in living it what they want for their chidren. Very ethical and important poem.

[Mark D. Chevalier]

Do you think that's why we write? Is it to leave something of ourselves behind? I think it is, although in your case you have someone specific in mind, whereas I have to settle for things in broader terms. What scares me sometimes is the notion of ending up like Poe during his lifetime.
I think this was done with consideration and adoration in equal measure. Eloquent, and poignant. Very well don Sir.
M

[Norma J. Jessee]

What a beautiful poetic expression of love for a child. And what better way to show that love than to write a book for that child to help guide him throughout his life. Children are a precious gift from God. To take that advice and knowledge from the Bible shows great wisdom on your part, for who knows us better than our creator

Shortly before the nation of Israel entered the Promised Land, God told the Israelite parents : "These words that I am commanding you today must prove to be on your heart: and you must inculcate them to your children and speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up". (Deuteronomy 6:6-7 ) So, godly qualities must first be in the parent"s heart. The parent must love the truth and live it. Only then can he reach the child's heart. Why? Because children are influenced more by what they see than by what they hear. (Luke 6:40 ; 1 Corinthians 11:1 )
We must become companions to them. This may seem hard in this fast paced world. But take a lessen from Jesus. Imagine, the final hours of Jesus' life were ticking away. Still , he gave children his time and attention.(Mark 10: 13-16 ) By being an example, a companion, a communicator and a teacher, a child will stive to live up to his faith even when faced with peer pressure and temptations.