Stand

Hard things made right

Can lead a man into the light.

But when those things are left undone

A wayward soul will begin to run.

So, look your son in the eye

help him face that simple lie.

Have him stand on his own two feet

And in his stead a Man you'll meet.

Author's Note

https://youtu.be/IzI3Zb6QvFg

Reviews

[Lydia Shutter]

Yes, we must all teach out sons to be men....good men. Teach them to make it through the tough times and help others get through them too. Wise words here. Lydi**

[Cherrie Palmer]

Thank you Lydia so much

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Love the thrust of this one Cherrie but I do agree with Richard on this one as the linked couplets seem inconsistent as the first two rhyme but the second two don't. Perhaps:

So, look your son in the eye
do not let him deny.

Have him stand on his own two feet
now a real man so complete.

[Cherrie Palmer]

Okay, take a look see if the flow is better. :)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Better indeed Cherrie but still the final stanza needs the rhyme. So:
Have him stand on his own two feet
And in his stead a Man you meet.

[Cherrie Palmer]

i like that

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Glad to be of service dear poetess.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I enjoyed this offering. It brings to mind one of my favorite Kipling poems, IF. Good work.

[Cherrie Palmer]

Thank you Fabian

[Richard🖌]

Beeeautifully voiced, Dear Cherrie 😌

Never more wisely laid words were ever spoken by a mother to her son; you've made my heart dip with a tender swoon … your son's a lucky man, indeed.
Simple and apt is the art choice -- your title, equally so.
Rhyming Couplets have long been one of my favorite poetical forms, and yours virtually dance and sing upon the page.
If I may, and you'll not too much mind the help:
(in V3, consider);
"So, look your son straight in the eye,
help him face 'n tell these hard times bye.
(and in V4);
Have him stand on his own two feet
And in his stead, a Man you'll meet."

Whatever, Cherrie, I cannot imagine a more heartfelt poem pouring forth from your loving pen … bless you for sharing such sincere feeling with us! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Cherrie Palmer]

Thank you Richard
Sometimes I write out of need and I guess this may fall into that category.

[Richard🖌]

My suggestions were to make your final two verses true Rhyming Couplets, like your others … I hope they didn't offend, My Friend

[Cherrie Palmer]

Never Richard, I always enjoy your ear. :)

[Richard🖌]

Ah, well then....

[Cherrie Palmer]

I haven't decided about the change still thinking it over

[Richard🖌]

Keeping us guessing, eh? 🙃

[Cherrie Palmer]

I think I'm done

[Richard🖌]

Wonderfully done, Fine Poetess, and in perfect Couplet rhyme. 🥇

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree dear Cherrie.
"Have him stand on his own two feet
And in his stead a Man you will see."
We are the builders of the future. We must teach the children. Be wise, be strong and do the right things. Outstanding poetry shared dear friend.
Coyote

[Cherrie Palmer]

Thank you, and yes I never want to take away from there potential. I desire them to be strong and grounded.

[Coyote Poetry]

We must try dear Cherrie and you are welcome.

[Robert Trakofler]

oh hell yes! perfect poetry dear Cherrie what a great person you are to pen this one! I know many are tired of the protest but I am proud of the youth these days standing up for what they believe in... it does my heart so much good

[light and ashes]

"If you don't stand for something you'll fall for anything."
All of us want to raise children of virtue.

[Cherrie Palmer]

It's true:)

[Jimmy Yetts]

Words of wisdom.
Ignoring or coddling the young is, these days, a very common offense.
Excellent!

[Einstein Noodle]

sound wisdom Cherrie! straight forward language in simple couplet form .. a perfect foundation for a talk with ones son. Seems those hard choices present themselves in too few situations .. and how powerful the choice we make is .. one's inner character is strengthened or weakened .. making us prone to choose the same the next time ... in our youth, the crowd that does the most swaying usually is not looking out for our best interests ... Stand indeed! :)
E.

[Cherrie Palmer]

Thank you E :) how is your corner of the state? I'm knee deep in leaves.

[Einstein Noodle]

ahahaha yes .. the leaves .. well .. I am the same .. they blow first this way ...then that .. when too many pile up in front of the cabin I get the leaf blower out and push the forest back into itself a bit ;) once they are all down I have major leaf work to do... all is very well with me Cherrie .. it would be good to get together again .. i keep an eye on the Poetry Group through FB .. people don't post their poems there often but lots of established poets give small "classes" i guess they could be called ... blessings on you and yours dear friend! :)

[Cherrie Palmer]

Once a month, We mow them up. Much quicker:)

[Einstein Noodle]

yes ... much better! my yard grows rocks so mowing is minimal ... such is life .. once a pack mule always a pack mule :)))))))))))

[Fran Marie]

Well stated advice
within your lines
we can only do
our best and show
them direction in
which they go
hopefully they heed
sound advice

nice work Cherrie

[Cherrie Palmer]

Thank you Fran, I hope you and your family are well.