Do you know who wrote this poem?  I’d like to give the author his/her due.  A friend found it on a crumpled piece of paper by a country road. It’s a powerful anthem for all who care about children.

Influence

There are little eyes upon you,
and they’re watching night and day.
There are little ears that quickly
take in every word you say.

There are little hands all eager
to do everything you do,
And a little one who’s dreaming
of the day he’ll be like you.

You’re the little slugger’s idol.
You’re the wisest of the wise;
in his little mind about you
no suspicions ever rise.

He believes in you devoutly,
holds all that you say and do.
He will say and do in your way
when he’s grown up just like you.

There’s a wide-eyed little boy
who believes you’re always right.
And his ears are always open
and he watches day and night.

You are setting an example
every day in all you do.
For the little one who’s waiting
to grow up to be like you.