I Will Challenge Children to Stare at Each Other Without Smiling

I will take walks and love maps.

I will clear rocks at the beach, to reveal the sand.

I will cheer for the bulls at the rodeo.

I will sing the Pepsi Cola song.

I will know that three potatoes can feed four people, barely.

I will read.

I will be me, amid everything.

I will know the infinite detail and variety in small things.

I will seek rare things in lightly traveled places.

I will study my Japanese.

I will garden.

I will remember yellow gloves, hot dishwater, an apron.

I will know the names of plants and insects that live around me.

I will remember the millions of bugs that go to bed hungry every night.

I will love my family, and tell them so.

I will endure dogfights when I must.

I will respect myself and my affairs, with my own orderly space.

I will smile.

I will give hugs.

I will endure, to continue.

I will wear earmuffs if it is the right thing to do.

I will know where cans can be recycled, and junk can be dumped.

I will love the library.

I will teach.

I will look inward for the source of peaceful joy.

I will call out those who cut corners, risking the well-being of others.

I will have farm toys in my home.

I will carry the word "fillagaloobert" with me, at the ready, wherever my life takes me.

I will love a good Bean Sandwich.