My Kingdom by Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott's poem about self government.  I'd like to memorize this one with the kids.  It touches my soul.

My Kingdom

A little kingdom I possess
where thoughts and feelings dwell,
And very hard I find the task
of governing it well;
For passion tempts and troubles me,
A wayward will misleads,
And selfishness its shadow casts
On all my words and deeds.

How can I learn to rule myself,
to be the child I should,
Honest and brave, nor ever tire
Of trying to be good?
How can I keep a sunny soul
To shine along life's way?
How can I tune my little heart
To sweetly sing all day?

Dear Father, help me with the love
that casteth out my fear;
Teach me to lean on thee, and feel
That thou art very near,
That no temptation is unseen
No childish grief too small,
Since thou, with patience infinite,
Doth soothe and comfort all.

I do not ask for any crown
But that which all may win
Nor seek to conquer any world
Except the one within.
Be thou my guide until I find,
Led by a tender hand,
Thy happy kingdom in myself
And dare to take command. 

A Legacy of Liberty

This poem was written by a TJed mom for her 5 Pillars class.  It describes the miracle that has occurred in her family as a result of her beginning her war on IGNORANCE.  It was posted to the TJed MUSE forum.  I loved it so much, I have to keep it to look back at again and again for inspiration.

A LEGACY OF LIBERTY

By Merari Sanchez 

There's been a huge explosion at our house! Learning in Freedom was the 
missile used and mom's the one who launched it.

It all started when she declared war on her own ignorance. For hours on end
she develops the muscles of her mind. The classics are her weights. Passion,
vision and love are the fabrics of her uniform. Her attack strategy is simple:
to conquer through example.

As a result, the powerful blast has left an enormous valley of curiosity for
us children to roam freely. The young ones twirl, spin and dance as if on
stage and the melodies of their made-up songs ring sweetly in our ears.
They explore and hunt through endless pages of great books while the older
ones scheme a battle of their own.

In addition, mom's calculated tactics have persuaded us to surrender to
the endless possibilities of our imaginations. Within the safety of our fort
dreams of becoming a lawyer, navy nurse and astronaut are discussed.
The prospects of living as a horse rider, doctor, and farmer are considered.

In the end, mom's crusade for truth and knowledge will bring peace
and our own campaign to learn in liberty will win the day. So bondage
be forewarned, beware of a mother with a book.