On Children

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
and He bends you with His might
that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer’s hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
so He loves also the bow that is stable.

— Kahlil Gibran

4 Comments leave a comment below

  1. This is incredible, especially to read on the heels of a conversation yesterday with someone about what happens to us after death. After leaving the body, our energy (soul) continues on, thus further contributing to and feeding the cycle of life. Children are miracles, and I think often about holding tightly and appreciating my two girls, for now, and while I can.

  2. this is beautiful.

  3. Love this!! My parents are progressing in age and we’re both trying to break down the ‘norms’ we have built up over the years. I saw this yesterday and it made my heart ‘pop’.

    Been following since 2007, you have always been a source of inspiration and made me privy to some of the coolest kids toys on the market. I appreciate you guys and if ever you need some help, please feel free to contact me.

    Benjamin

    p.s. I collect books. I was gifted a huge lot of zombie/YA/manga. If there is anything you’re looking for, let me know.

  4. Really really amazing and beautiful. Thank you for sharing with us.