Heartbreaking to witness this,
It may be.
But not necessarily to those heeding warnings.

However...
When one becomes of age,
And identified to be self destructive.
It becomes impossible,
To return them back to a crib...
With a teaching 'then' to begin,
That is hoped to be conducive...
To an understanding,
With love to them given.

If from the beginning,
The very moment footsteps are taken to place,
This discipline with love is not comprehended?
From where do people think this comes?
By a waving done of a magic wand?

Lawrence S. Pertillar

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/by-a-waving-done-of-a-magic-wand/