if we can think beyond that self-same glow,
how may we help your passage through this life?
For ‘education’ seems too long a word
to speak too near your tiny ear just yet;
yet mother’s, father’s, total hopes and love
upon you – who are world itself – are set:
perhaps, like Hindu mothers, we should sing
a cradle song: ‘You are that very Self’;
and hope that we and you may lifelong bring
that magic of your birth to all life’s wealth.
For who can start to show you who you are,
but those whose own self shines like guiding star?