Sonnet: On Children

There is a smile on the lips of children; There is a look of innocence, always; They seem to forget and to forgive when, Adults display a wretched, gloomy face! Oh, how they play about and love their play! Oh, how they long for love and words of praise! Oh, how they dream of presents from a fay! And how they fall asleep or cry always! But, does this world not ill-treat children? Do children have their freedom, entitled? Are elders kind, giving them tender touch? Many a time, their hearts seem anguish-filled! How can this world deny children their needs? What kind of trees develop from ill-formed seeds?