safety first

"Safety First," they used to say. It was the fashion of the early day, to kiss a child's hand and say, "Safety first, that stove is hot, and look both ways because if not-- Well, child, you don't even want to know what comes next." "Safety first, say no to strangers" because you never know-- --if they offer you candy, tell them so: "Safety first!" Always first, But I know that sometimes Children must burn those little hands and see what happens next. And saying no to a stranger may be saying no to kindness. Safety does not come first. "Goodness, truth and beauty come first." Thank you, Jean Brodie.