Oh Mother! Oh Mother! Exclaimed the son,
With a deep and ponderous gaze.
What separates the virtuous ones?
From the rest of the human race.

The mother gave a pleasing smile,
And called her son aside.
Experience alone teaches said she,
For which time you have to bide.

Still my darling, I shall relate,
What all I have in mind.
Be honest, brave and upright,
Let never your faith be blind.

Do whatever good you can to others,
In your own humble way.
Mock you shall the parochial world,
But hear not what they say.

Be kind and pleasing to everyone,
Hurt not by word or deed.
Sneer not at the less fortunate,
Nor discern by caste or creed.

Speak obligingly even if you can’t oblige,
May sweetness girdle your tongue.
Think twice before an utterance,
May never a heart be wrung.

Be silent and do not retort,
To those who taunt you most.
Be not tempted to clarion,
When the lesser mortals boast.

May humility be your silent asset,
As you ascend to the top.
God shall shower his divine grace,
With neither a cease nor stop.

As the mother finished her words,
Little eyes welled with tears.
An ocean of compassion,
Had resolved his doubts and fears.