A little boy said to his Mom
“Please tell me where
Our words come from

And tell me what they’re really for
When you can’t buy them
At the store

And all these words I learn about
Like holiday
And turnabout

Please tell me what I need them for
And why do I
Still need some more

And why do people write them down
Can’t they remember
How they sound

Please tell me, Mom, I want to know
Do I need words
To help me grow?”

His Mom was silent for awhile
Then to her face
There came a smile

She said to him, “My Little One
To learn of words
You’ve just begun

And since a writer I’ve become
I had to know
Where words came from

I know my words come from my heart
For when I write
That’s where I start

I use my words to speak to you
And when you speak
You use them, too

More words I know, more things I say
And it’s with words
I like to play

I’ll tell a story, make a rhyme
Or tell you when
It’s your bedtime

I’ll write a letter or a song
It’s so much fun
It can’t be wrong

And yes, my Child, they help you grow
If you can use
The words you know

They’re used at home, at school, at play
And everyone
Has lots to say

You speak to people with each word
But without words
You can’t be heard

But please remember this, my Son
It’s from your heart
That words come from

The greatest story you could write
Is what you say
To me each night

The greatest words you’ll ever use
Are just three words
They’re I LOVE YOU!”