Let not the reality of harsh pain
Slip deep into the minds of our children
Never let their staining work be in vain
If ever in trouble, may they not sin
May they never be near the edge of doom
Let them have the warmth of love; burning coals
May darkness over them never loom
For the sun will be better for their souls
Never let their hopeful dreams be taken
May them be able to bear every day
Never let their steadfast faith be shaken
Never let evil words be what they say
   Let them never be tempted, always strong 
   Let them never be doubted, never wrong






This is a sonnet I wrote back in High School.