"I'd like to be a Cub Scout" 
His eyes were deepest blue.
"I'd like to learn, and play, and build
Like Jim and Freddy do."

"I know how to use a hammer;
I can drive a nail if I try.
I'm eight years old, I'm big and strong
And hardly ever cry."

I gave him the application
and parent participation sheet.
His eyes were filled with sunshine
as he left on dancing feet.

Next day, my friend was back again -
a dejected little lad.
"I guess I'll skip the Cub Scouts."
His eyes were dark and sad.

"My Mom is awful busy -
she has lots of friends, you see.
She'd never have time for a den;
she hardly has, for me."

"And Dad is always working -
he's hardly ever there.
To give them any more to do
just wouldn't be quite fair."

He handed back the papers
with the dignity of eight years,
And, smiling bravely, left me.
His eyes were filled with tears.

Do you see your own boy's eyes
as other people may?
How he looks when you're "too busy"
or "just haven't time" today?

A boy is such a special gift -
why don't you realize,
It only takes a little time
to put sunshine in his eyes.