I watch my son embark on life
and I wish him all the best
His way will be no easier
than it's been for all the rest

The first child's life is the hardest
as they blaze their new found trails
Upon their shoulders rides the weight
of siblings, hopes and travails

An old woman once asked of me
as she touched upon my fears
"What do you want your son to be
when he reaches adult years"

I thought a while then with a smile
said that"happy" was my goal
"There might be hope for mankind yet
and for your immortal soul"

We might just ask too much of each
newly born generation
Expecting them to build upon
the previous foundation

It's pride that tweaks our vanity
in ****** pride our soul believes
Why is it only through this pain
that by love, our soul relieves

  I'll have that old woman to thank
when I swim the great expanse
There I'll make for the distant bank
where fate may grant me that chance

Tate