A Life Replete
I struggle now, my sweet, my sunshine
to wrap a lifetime's care in rhyme,
for I have little left to leave you
save these few words this one last time.
Unending love, bound tight with wisdom
is my most precious gift to you,
that you might dance where I have stumbled,
where I proved false, you may strike true.
The joy that was our life together
will not fail in time' s fleet flow;
reflections blur the sharper edges
and well-worn anamneses glow.
I knew this day would come untimely
and so I strove to fill life's span
with just one clear and noble mission:
help my boy become a man.
Take your time to make decisions,
don't be dazzled by fool's gold,
follow logic, not false prophets
seek out truth, my son, be bold.
Be obedient to your mother,
her vacant arms, now yours to fill;
send her strength in times of weakness,
be her rock, protect her still.
Though I know you'll try your hardest,
sometimes nothing can be done,
there's no shame in disappointment,
you won't win every race you run.
But, son, remember every failure
when acknowledged can be turned;
every error tells a story,
speaks a lesson to be learned.
There will be times when you are lonely
fail to find a hand to hold;
those you thought your friends deny you,
leave you naked, stranded, cold.
Stand *****, my little soldier,
do not flee from might or foe,
there, my hand rests on your shoulder,
where you lead, I too will go.
When breath is spent and heart is racing,
muscle binds and sinews cease,
in the wind you'll hear me whisper,
your spirits lift, your burdens, ease.
In hopeless moments, hark my cheering,
in silence stark, my lion's roar,
rest your head on these broad shoulders,
then turn and face the bitter foe.
Know, you can never disappoint me.
Nor will I ever turn my back,
for nothing you might do could shame me,
loving thoughts, you'll never lack.
Know this too, you owe me nothing,
you alone make me complete,
though our paths diverged too early:
a journey short a life replete.
And I will smile on you in glory,
shed my tears in rare defeat,
burst with pride at each achievement,
cheer you from a ringside seat.
Never scold you or berate you,
never focus on the bad,
be your pal when friends are needed,
yet remain your loving dad.
So here's my love to keep forever,
this, my smile, is yours to wear.
Wrap these memories in your kerchief,
bring them out when I'm not there.
Tuck sweet hopes in deepest pockets,
enfold my kisses in your dreams,
feel my arm weigh on your shoulder,
see my smile in each moonbeam.
I was almost 60 yrs old when my son, Toby, was born and I have always been conscious of the fact that we would have less time together than I would like. I wrote this for him to read when he's older. I hope he likes it
