There is nothing so special
Needing ribbon or bow
If a child is successful
On what merits they show
There’s no label, no button
Not a banner in sight
If they work for a living
Study hard late at night
All their limbs are still present
And their brain seems to work
They are dutiful, pleasant
And ignored by the world
No, there’s really no reason
We should praise to the skies
Every triumphal season
For a sharp pair of eyes
There’s no faculty lacking
That’s obstructing their view
So no need to start clapping
When their talent shines through
If we over-encourage
Then we risk that one day
They may pluck up the courage
To feel grateful and say
That their motive for trying
To improve on their best
Was the people believing
They would rise to the test