Thursday, June 02, 2005

A Poem I Really Like

by Someone

"I got two A's," the small boy cried.
His voice was filled with glee.
His father very bluntly asked,
"Why didn't you get three?"

"Mom, I've got the dishes done,"
The girl called from the door.
Her mother very calmly said,
"And did you sweep the floor?"

"I've mowed the grass," the tall boy said,
"And put the mower away."
His father asked him with a shrug,
"And that took you all day?"

The children in the house next door
Seem happy and content.
The same things happen over there,
But this is how they went:

"I got two A's," the small boy cried.
His face was filled with glee.
His father very proudly said, "That's great;
I'm proud you live with me."

"Mom, I've got the dishes done,"
The girl called from the door.
Her mother smiled and softly said,
"Each day I love you more."

"I've mowed the grass," the tall boy said,
"And put the mower away."
His father answered with much joy,
"Well done; you've made my day."

Children need encouragement
For tasks they're asked to do.
If they're to lead a happy life,
So much depends on you.

I always thought that this was written by Shel Silverstein; it has his style. But I don't think I've ever seen any author's name for this poem, and if it was Shel Silverstein, it would probably be attributed to him.
I've seen this poem on other sites with slightly different words, but this is how I first heard it, in approximately fourth grade, when we were introduced to poetry. Either version has the same message, and since no one knows who wrote it, I suppose no one can complain about misquoting.
Anyhow, I got two A's. Maybe I can make it three. Keep hoping.

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