Thirteen years of patience. . .
Eight'years of sifted punishment. . .
Blend six to ten years of changing hairstyles, clothes
and accessories. . . .
With an infinite ("N") number of sighs and smiles. . . .

Stuff twelve years of 'you can do it's’, down the boy's throat. . . compassionately - but - firmly.
Cream well his personality — with his positive characteristics. . .
season. . .
by ...
   season...
          year...
              by...
                year...

Beat well! — alternating stress with love — three hundred strokes!
Flavor with smiles,
Censored television
And mature friends - - -

Flour him with sobriety — Oil him well with reality lectures. . Toughen the batter with leveled-out assistance. . .periodically.

Pour him into the pan of life rapidly — without sensitivity. Level him prayerfully — so no lumps of pride Will spoil the appearance.

Into the oven of the unknown future — Gently place him on the middle rack. . . Glance into the glass oven door. . .
at grammar school graduation time. . .
PRAY EARNESTLY!!!!
For the batter won't be well done until after high school and college graduation times...

After a decade or so, reach into the oven and test for doneness
with a finger of love; if he bounces back with home-grown
values and principles hardened by life's course. . . .
Then smile, as you partake of this delectable, respectable  
loveable son...... slice by slice. .

from your mom --
Lilla E. Green