I Have a Boy

Published on: December 19, 2019

I Have a Boy

I’ve a wonderful Boy, and I say to him, “Son,
     Be fair and be square in the race you must run.
Be brave if you lose and be meek if you win.
     Be better and nobler than I’ve ever been.
Be honest and noble in all that you do,
     And honor the name I have given to you.

I have a Boy and I want him to know
     We reap in life just about as we sow,
And we get what we earn, be it little or great,
     Regardless of luck and regardless of fate.
I will teach him and show him the best that I can,
     That it pays to be honest and upright, a man.

I will make him a pal and a partner of mine,
     And show him the things in this world that are fine.
I will show him the things that are wicked and bad,
     For I figure this knowledge should come from his Dad.
I will walk with him, talk with him, play with him, too;
     And to all of my promises strive to be true.

We will grow up together, I’ll too be a boy,
     And share in his trouble and share in his joy.
We’ll work out our plans when we both will be men.
     And oh, what a wonderful joy this will be,
No pleasure in life could be greater to me.

by Hugh M. Pierce

6 Comments

Bill Radford - 7 years ago

My high school football coach, who was like a second Dad to me, had this poem framed and hanging on the wall in his house. When my first son was born, Coach gave me a framed copy. That was 46 years ago,
My coach has long passed, I'm an old man, and my two sons have been a blessing in my life. Thanks for sharing this heart-warming, yet challenging poem. It still bring tears (of joy) to my eyes.

Billy Pia - 3 years ago

I wrote music to ,I have a Boy. I wanted to talk to you about the song. I have been told it is beautifully done. Please contact me about it. Call me anytime. 719.235.0633. What a beautiful poem Hugh write.

T.R. Reinman - 3 years ago

I’ve recited this poem for years just after my prayers and before turning off the lights in memory of my father. Thank you.

Carolyn Greely - 2 years ago

We found this poem in some of my husband’s mother papers. It did not have an author’s name only an ink drawing of a little boy and a dog. It is yellowed and fragile, he is (85)! We are so pleased to know who wrote it and that we can get a copy to attach our copy to. Thank you

Kirsten - 1 year ago

I have the original. My Grandfather wrote it

Robert Grossnickle - 1 year ago

What a blessing and wonderful legacy. I found a tattered copy of the poem, cut out from the Star News from the 70's, in my Father's desk drawer after his passing. Plan to share at a Trail Life Awards Ceremony. If I can keep my voice in tact, that is.