Timeless

Suppose
by Phoebe Cary

Suppose, my little lady,
Your doll should break her head;
Could you make it whole by crying
Til your eyes and nose were red?
And wouldn't it be pleasanter
To treat it as a joke,
And say you're glad 'twas dolly's
And not your own that broke?

Suppose you're dressed for walking,
And the rain comes pouring down;
Will it clear off any sooner
Because you scold and frown?
And wouldn't it be nicer
For you to smile than pout,
And so make sunshine in the house
When there is none without?

Suppose your task, my little man,
Is very hard to get;
Will it make it any easier
For you to sit and fret?
And wouldn't it be wiser,
Than waiting like a dunce,
To go to work in earnest
And learn the thing at once?

Suppose that some boys have a horse,
And some a coach and pair;
Will it tire you less while walking
To say, "It isn't fair"?
And wouldn't it be nobler
To keep your temper sweet,
And in your heart be thankful
You can walk upon your feet?

Suppose the world don't please you.
Nor the way some people do;
Do you think the whole creation
Will be altered just for you?
And isn't it, my boy or girl,
The wisest, bravest plan,
Whatever comes, or doesn't come,
To do the best you can?

I read this poem to the kids this morning and thought it interesting that children across the ages are all relatively similar. I am sure I have said the same kinds of things on countless occasions to my own sweet boy and girl. And I do not doubt that my own mother admonished me in the same way as well. When did I learn this contentment and diligence and put it into practice...or have I actually?

What was really funny though was the moaning and groaning and giggling that came from the couch as they listened and understood that, though we don't drive a coach with horses or have dolls whose heads can break, this poem applied just as well to them and actually sounded very familiar. Phoebe Cary was just a whole lot more creative with her lectures than I am...