When I Am a Man by Lizzie De Armond

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Feb 22, 1906

When I Am a Man

By Lizzie De Armond

When I am a man, I'll not worry and scold, Or 'growl if the weather is too hot or too cold; I'll not use tobacco, nor drink wine or beer, And of anything bad I'll be glad to keep clear. I'll try for the good of others to plan, And be a brave soldier, when I'm a man.

When I'm a man, I'll let little boys Have fun if they do make plenty of noise; I'll feed the poor people who stop at my door, And give of my money to help sick or sore, I'll strive to be honest, and do what I can To make the world better, when I'm a man.

Said grandma, “Why wait till you're grown? Right away Begin your new methods, begin them to-day; You may never be old, nor rich, nor great, And many a blessing you'll lose while you wait; Strive to be and to do just the best that you can, And life will be sweeter when you are a man.”

— Lizzie De Armond.