Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TESTAMENT (TO MY CHILD) by GERTRUDE B. GUNDERSON

First Line: I CANNOT WILL YOU MUCH OF WEALTH
Last Line: ALL GOOD SHALL FLOW TO YOU.
Subject(s): CHILDREN; FAITH; LOVE; PARENTS; CHILDHOOD; BELIEF; CREED; PARENTHOOD;
I cannot will you much of wealth
Or luxury as dower—
But leave great, listening silences,
To teach you hidden power.

I cannot pledge you happiness,
Except through self-release—
Which contemplates all harmony
And brings you inward peace.

I cannot grant extensive tours
In lands across the sea—
But promise love of venturing
In thought-worlds, wide and free.

As codicil, I add this gift,
A life-long faith found true:
That if you live in tune with Life,
All good shall flow to you.



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