When I go mad and hit my child
"for his own good" I reconciled
and then I realized my flight
today I taught my child to fight

When interfused by the phone
I said "tell them I'm not home".
And then thought and had to sigh
Today I taught my child to lie.

I told the tax man what I made,
forgetting cash that I was paid.
And then I blushed at this sad feat,
Today I taught my child to cheat.

I smugly copied a cassette
to keep me form one more debt.
But now the bells of shame must peal,
Today I taught my child to steal.

Today I cursed another race
Oh God protect what I deface
for now I fear it is too late
Today I taught my child to hate.

By my example children learn
that I must lead in life's sojourn.
In such a way that they are led
by what is done, not what is said,

Today I gave my child his due
by praises for him instead of rue.
Now I have begun n my guide
Today I gave my child his pride.

I now have reconciled and paid
to the IRS on all I made.
And now I know that his dear youth
Today has learned form me of truth.

The alms I give are not for show
yet this child must surely know 
that charity is worth the price 
Today he saw my sacrifice.

I clasp within a warm embrace
 my neighbor of another race 
the great commandment from above
Today I taught my child to love.

Someday my child must face alone
this world of tearsome undertone
but I have blazed a sure pathway
Today I taught my child to pray.