This is the boy who never
Made it to full size
Taught to stay still by the hour
Before he came to our sides.

This is the boy whose hair
You'd never see an equal to;
Shades of white, and brown and copper
Even in his cropped 'do.

This is the boy who never
Learned any tricks
Content to bask behind his leader
Savouring life in small sips.

This is the boy whose silence
Was taken as giddiness
Although he hardly missed the chance
To indulge in cheeky business.

This is the boy who never
Wanted for anything all his life
Until that unhappy misadventure
When he learnt of death.

This is the boy whom
We have loved faithfully
Cuddled close to our *****
Our cherished Christmas baby
Don't leave yet; it's too soon
We're not yet ready.