What blessing would you give to a child? Here is a poem about the blessings I believe the old man in the painting is giving to the young child.

Portrait of an Old Man and a Boy (detail) by Dominico Ghirlandajo, Florence, 1449-1494

Blessings To A Child

by Harry Kottler

Years have passed, and I've grown older.

You look up with gentleness.

You're a child; you're filled with wonder.

Can your sweetness be dismissed?

Time will pass; it's in the landscape.

Time will pass; away you'll go.

Time will pass, sweet child, so handsome.

Time will pass, and then you'll know...

You'll know secrets now quite hidden,

You'll know heartbreak, you'll know strife,

You'll confront things now forbidden;

In short, you'll know bare facts of life.

There is more than just the bare facts.

Keep your wonder, keep your faith.

There are secrets, inner rare facts,

Known to those who have known grace.

In all hearts, the Lord is living −

Even in hearts that seem cruel.

Witness all, but be forgiving

To all children met in school.

Don't excuse misdeeds of others.

Let them pay the given price.

See all people as your brothers,

But be just; don't be too nice.

School is everywhere you're living.

Children are all that you see.

Though my words may hardly touch you,

Feel the spirit of my inner glee.

Feel the love; let it embrace you.

See the light; remember me.

Feel the love; let it encase you.

See the light; light makes you free.

Seeing brings the soul's promotion.

Seeing brings graduation, too.

Though, of these things, you have no notion,

Still I speak these words to you.

I speak these words with mouth not open.

I speak these words just through my eyes.

My blessings now, I pass upon you.

May you grow up to be wise.

................

With love and respect,

Harry and Helen