Look me in the Eyes -
For I am a blank slate,
Waiting for your words;
Speak to my tender soul,
And enlighten me of my worth.

Looking to you I believe –
That truth must flow freely;
Making you all powerful,
To a loving, trusting child,
Prepared to be good or bad.

Make me worthless now –
Flowing words of disdain,
Cutting deeply into my heart.
Would you not see the scars?
A bad child grows into pain.

Or build me up with love –
Speaking with gentle kindness;
Guiding me into self-awareness.
Would you do that for me?
A good child grows into beauty.

Kim Schilling

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/what-a-child-believes/