[00:14.85]Dear World:
[00:16.37]My son starts school today.
[00:18.96]It’s going to be strange and new to him for a while.
[00:22.84]And I wish you would sort of treat him gently.
[00:26.24]You see, up to now, he’s been king of the roost.
[00:29.93]He’s been boss of the back yard.
[00:32.56]I have always been around to repair his wounds, and to soothe his feelings.
[00:37.70]But now - things are going to be different.
[00:41.27]This morning, he’s going to walk down the front steps,
[00:44.83]wave his hand and start on his great adventure
[00:46.94]that will probably include wars and tragedy and sorrow.
[00:52.74]To live his life in the world he has to live in will require faith and love and courage.
[00:58.90]So, World, I wish you would sort of take him by his young hand
[01:02.10]and teach him the things he will have to know.
[01:05.25]Teach him - but gently, if you can.
[01:08.35]Teach him that for every scoundrel, there is a hero;
[01:11.63]that for every crooked politician there is a dedicated leader;
[01:15.63]that for every enemy there is a friend.
[01:18.45]Teach him the wonders of books.
[01:20.54]Give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky,
[01:25.39]bees in the sun, and flowers on the green hill.
[01:28.75]Teach him it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat.
[01:33.57]Teach him to have faith in his own ideas,
[01:35.57]even if everyone else tells him they are wrong.
[01:39.68]Teach him to sell his brawn and brains to the highest bidder,
[01:43.35]but never to put a price on his heart and soul.
[01:46.70]Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob...
[01:49.50]and to stand and fight if he thinks he’s right.
[01:52.58]Teach him gently, World, but don’t coddle him,
[01:55.88]because only the test of fire makes fine steel.
[02:00.09]This is a big order, World, but see what you can do.
[02:03.85]He’s such a nice little fellow.
