There's a bow and arrow against the wall,
In my little guy's room, at the end of the hall.
Many months have passed since it last was shot.
It's not seen much use since the day it was bought.
Oh, the weather's been right, and he's had the time.
And there's many a target, and it works just fine.
T'was his birthday present - a year ago.
And I was sure he wanted it so.
For I'd watched him, as he grew from naught.
Through the years, - as a little tot.
And one interest that he seemed to show:
Taking a stick, and string, and making a bow.
I wish I'd kept count of the number of bows,
He's made from limbs and sticks. But who knows...?
He'd come running in, to get some string.
He seemed to be happy with any-thing.
Now, most of his projects ended the same:
The stick would break, or the limb go lame.
But a few of his bows seemed to work just fine.
And I was so proud of that boy of mine.
I always felt bad as I'd watch him fail.
I guess that's the reason I'm sharing this tale.
For, I wanted to help; and save him the pain -
Of failing, and trying, and failing, again.
So, last year, for his birthday, I went to the store.
I was thinking, "He won't have to fail, anymore."
And I bought him a bow that I knew wouldn't break.
And, learned a lesson that I'll never forsake.
For, it wasn't the bow, or the arrow, he needed.
But the process of trying, and being defeated.
Of bending, and stretching, and hoping for strength.
And searching for cords that could master the length.
I watched through each project, without ever knowing -
He wasn't making bows, - - - - He was growing.
And, by making it easy through my thoughtless giving,
I smothered part of my boy's joy of living.
He's not made a bow, or an arrow since then.
And I doubt that he'll ever make another again.
So, now, when I watch as he struggles and falls,
And down in my heart, a father's voice calls,
And I want to step in, and give him a hand,
I've got to remember - - - He's becoming a man.
And 'though bumps and bruises may often-times show,
I must never forget what I've learned from The Bow.