(Due to readers’ requests, from time to time I will print poems. This one, written years ago, is especially meaningful to me, since Moshe the little boy I write about, got married last week.)



 Insight


My little boy messed up the wall,

But what he did didn’t make me mad at all,

Instead of anger I felt rather proud

That this miniature person,

Who laughs aloud,

Is growing up.

 

He had noticed a crayon on the shelf,

Toddled over and grabbed it by himself,

And while I was chatting on the kitchen phone,

He wandered happily on his own

To the living room wall. And scribbled.

 

I heard him laughing so I came in to see,

And saw his “artwork” as he clapped with glee.

I hurried over, ready to scold,

Then I remembered – he’s 13 months old.

 

I thought to myself, how should I react?

I should stop and think before I act,

To see all this from his point of view,

And get some insight as to what to do.

 

I looked at his face; he looked so elated,

He had taken a step forward – he had created!

He did something that for him was truly brand new,

He went and made “squiggles” – like Ema and Tatty do!


He did what he did just to show

His ema and himself – that he’s starting to grow,

That he can take the initiative and do for himself.

So he stood on his tippy toes and reached for the shelf.

 

Mama was busy so he looked for some “paper”

Determined to complete his “big boy “caper,

Spying the blank wall he came up with a solution,

A brilliant breakthrough in his “independence” revolution.

He had a thought that he put into action,

Too young to understand my potential reaction,

So instead of anger, I gave him praise

Thankful for this neshama I was given to raise.

 

My wall needed repainting, but I was full of joy,

For I realized Hashem gifted me with a healthy, growing boy,

I know in the future many other things will get messed,

But I’ll forgo the anger – for I know I am blessed.

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