Today I saw you, my son
You had tears in your eyes
Visiting me with your mother
Five years old, my boy
I wanted to hold you
Then you both walked away

Now you are eleven, my son
You have grown so much
Visiting me on your own
Telling me how you missed me
How you wished I was there
Then you turned and walked away

Sixteen and almost a man
I am so proud of you
You want to be just like me
But you promise to always stay
My love is there for you, my son
Then you turned and walked away

Twenty and in your uniform
You joined the army, my son
A soldier as I used to be
Soon you will have to go
You promise you will always return
A rose on my grave, and never walk away



copyright Chris Smith 2012