Just a Boy

Get to understand the lad —

He's not eager to be bad;

If the right he always knew,

He would be as old as you.

Were he now exceeding wise,

He'd be just about your size;

When he does things that annoy,

Do n't forget, he's just a boy.

Could he know and understand,

He would need no guiding hand;

But he's young and has n't learned

How life's corners must be turned;

Does n't know from day to day

There is more in life than play,

More to face than selfish joy —

Do n't forget he's just a boy.

Being just a boy, he'll do

Much you will not want him to;

He'll be careless of his ways,

Have his disobedient days,

Wilful, wild and headstrong, too,

Just as, when a boy, were you;

Things of value he'll destroy,

But, reflect, he's just a boy.

Just a boy who needs a friend,

Patient, kindly to the end,

Needs a father who will show

Him the things he wants to know;

Take him with you when you walk,

Listen when he wants to talk,

His companionship enjoy,

Do n't forget, he's just a boy!