Toddler's Creed

If I want it, it's mine.
If I give it to you and change
my mind later, it's mine.
If I can take it away from you,
it's mine.
If I had it a little while ago,
it's mine.
If it's mine, it will never
belong to anybody else,
no matter what.
If we are building
something together,
all the pieces are mine.
If it looks just like mine,
it's mine.

What Did You Do Today?

When children come home at the end of the day,
The question they're asked as they scurry to play is...
"Tell me, what did you do today?"
And the answer they give makes you sigh with dismay.
"Nothing. I did nothing today!"
Perhaps nothing means that I made a block town,
Or counted up to 20 and then back down.
Maybe I painted a picture for you,
Or heard a story about a mouse that flew.
Maybe I wrote my own story today,
Or went out in the courtyard with my friends to play.
Maybe today was the very first time
That my scissors followed a very straight line.
Maybe I read a poem from beginning to end,
Or played with special, brand-new friend.
When you're 4 or 5 or 6 and your heart has wings,
NOTHING can mean so many things!


By Gwen Cox