河北 陈志华

在儿子上学的第一天，这位母亲给这个世界写了一封信，信中是对儿子无尽的期许与爱意。

Dear World,

My son starts school today. It's going to be strange and new to him for a while.And I wish you would treat him gently.

You see, up to now, he's been the king of the roost (鸟类的栖息处). He's been the boss of the back yard. I have always been around to repair his wounds,and to soothe （缓解） his feelings.

But now, things are going to be different. This morning, he's going to walk down the front steps, wave his hand and start on his great adventure that will probably include wars, tragedy and sorrow. To live his life in the world he has to live in will require faith, love and courage.

So, World, I wish you would sort of take him by his young hand and teach him the things he will have to know.Teach him—but gently, if you can. Teach him that for every scoundrel (恶棍), there is a hero; that for every enemy, there is a friend. Teach him the wonders of books.Give him quiet time to think about the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun, and flowers on the green hill.Teach him it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat. Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone else tells him they are wrong. Teach him to sell his brawn and brains to the highest bidder,but never to put a price on his heart and soul. Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob and to stand and fight if he thinks he's right. Teach him gently,World, but don't treat him with too much care and attention, because only the test of fire makes fine steel.

This is a big order, World, but see what you can do. He is such a nice little fellow.

Reading Check

How does the mother want her son be treated by the World?

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