Encircle the Child

In 1888, in her inaugural speech for the new Women's Movement, Frances Willard stated the central purpose was motherhood, even though the organizers had no children of their own.

"Mother-love works magic for humanity....Organized mother-love works miracles."

Some serious course correction is in order.

Encircle the child while he's tiny,
Still pliable, pure from above;
Surround him with truth and with virtue,
Create for him circles of love.
Encircle the child with knowledge
Of all he has known before,
For truth is eternal and endless,
Create in him worlds to explore.
Encircle the child with affection,
The warmth of a heartfelt concern,
For caring enforces the teaching,
Love opens desires to learn.
Encircle him firmly with kindness,
With patience, with list'ning, with trust;
Encourage his reaching and growing;
Be full of compassion, be just.
Encircle the child while he's tiny,
Still pliable, pure from above;
Surround him with truth and with virtue,
​Create for him circles of love.

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