To: my child

To my future child:

May your walk be straight and forward
May your mind be pure and true
May your time be sweet and joyous
As I walk along with you

May the sweetest dedication
Bring your dreams of life in bed
As you rest in the Almighty's shadow
And His wings protect your head

May your dreams be yours to follow
May your talents prove you wise
May your learning always prosper
May the light betroth your eyes

May your life reflect your beauty
May your balance ever be
A reflection of the glory
And the God of majesty

As I ponder your existence
In that secret place above
Thee to God I thus betroth
My heart with primal love

And these hands will soon too fail me
Thus no more to hold you near
Know, my love, I'll always love you
Know, my love, there is no fear

Thus surmount the plagues of life!
And holdfast to the truth
Remember all the better days
And hold onto your youth

For days are quick and life is fast
The seasons change forever
These words forever always last
As oft' as our every endeavor

So make it count! And make your mark!
Bring love where love is lost
And show this poor, old, dying world
The truth their lies have cost

May every grace be in your soul
And every virtue there
May every gift from God be yours
To grace thy friendship faire