When you think of influence on others,
You often picture only fathers and mothers.
But have you ever thought about yourself?
Your influence is not something to be put on a shelf.

When people watch your life,
They look to see if it is filled with peace or with strife.
Everyone, young or old, big or small,
Evaluates you when you rise or when you fall.
They model themselves after you in a way,
That reflects the things you do day by day.

While those people are watching you,
You can be learning from them too.
Through their words and deeds
They plant in your life tiny seeds.
So be careful about the friends you choose,
Influences from them you will always gain, never lose.

Things you learn you will never forget,
So make sure there is no regret.
You must have the right goals,
It may one day save many souls.
Always think about the choices you make,
‘Cause of the outcome, you will always partake.

So while your life is being inspected,
Never assume that the watcher will be unaffected.
Your influence is not something to be left alone,
It’s to be taken off the shelf and shown.