I'm holding a puppy on my lap
As he sleeps, so peacefully.
The trust he shows is gratifying,
He's at ease just being with me.

It takes me back over the past few years,
When I held my children on my knees.
My arms would go numb, but I wouldn't move,
They'd fall asleep, and sleep with such ease!

I would wonder, "What will they be..
In just a few short years?
Would they grow up as we hoped they would,
Would they have many heart-aches and tears?"

How can you teach them .. let them know
How to do things as they should...
How to avoid the pitfalls in life?
If they would only listen; if only they would.

Well, now the puppy's awake and stirring.
He just jumped down, off my lap.
We've often warned him of the danger he'd face
Sniffing 'round that deadly mouse-trap!

I guess curiosity won out over him;
Directly to the trap he went.
A loud snap, then a yelp, and back he came,
I'm not sure, but his nose looks all bent!

No, it's alright, just a little sore,
But next time I'll bet he'll think twice.
He learned from experience that's not for dogs!
That's just how people catch mice!

The children also jump from your lap,
And charge into this world they see.
Then the parents' prayer goes something like this:
"Lord, don't let them be as ornery as me!"

The puppy now stays away from that trap,
He's lucky he was only alarmed.
Children, much the same way must learn
To avoid the dangers that may bring them harm!

Our fathers went through it, and so did we,
Why should we expect different from them?
All we can do is teach faith in the Lord
And pray they'll be fine ladies and men.

If puppies can learn, so will they,
It's just a matter of reality.
But for added insurance, I'll continue to pray:
"Lord, don't let them be as ornery as me!"

Jac 11_85