They have a good memory
when in the play pen.
One of the first things they learn
is to count to ten.

They will remember that
through out their whole life
In the good times
and also in strife.

It's the strife, when they get angry
and want to lash out
that we want to teach them
what that's all about.

How to count to ten
they already know.
But have we taught them
when to count slow?

There is an advantage
when slowing down time.
A deep breath between numbers
could well be sublime.

Time to compose
Time to disarm
Time to calm down
and not set off the alarm.

Their mind will respond
feeling this human experience
Maybe seeing the whole picture
will suddenly make sense.

Let's validate each other
without flying off the handle.
May we slowly count to ten
before we entangle?