Beautiful Boy

I can see my little boy from the window, playing outside.

It’s not just him; when he turns his face to me and smiles

I can see my beloved, her parents, my mother and father,

a grin, a frown, a curious look and unbridled joy,

a direct lineage of love within his features.

 

He waves to me. How is it possible that this impossibly

beautiful boy wants to spend his hours with me?

Perhaps, like Cupid, he looks not with his eyes

but with his heart. No matter, I have no defence against

these blue eyes of his, those tiny hands and limbs,

he who is my diminutive likeness.

 

My boy throws himself into my arms and I swear

there is no world beyond this: no war, no pain, no hurt,

nor anything that would take my attention from him.

For him my life is expendable, my efforts inexhaustible;

That which may dare to hurt him will choke

on the grapes of my wrath!

 

For he is my son: all failures in me made right in him,

untouched, unsullied and undaunted. From him

comes my purpose anew, with my self-doubt:

Surely I am unworthy, undeserving and unprepared?

Each day is a new beginning, another chance to get it right.

 

For my boy will be a man someday and I dare not

get it wrong. Never has my heart existed outside

my own body, never have my beloved and I succeeded

in blending our love to such perfection. As I help him

build his memories, I hope he leaves space for me.

Author's Note

That's him, being cheeky!

Reviews

[SilentVerses]

The simplicity perfectly juxtaposes the complexity of the ropes and bindings of love you feel, as the attach your life to his they tangle in a web of emotions, painful in the way they push and pull, and yet, completely worth cherishing, a pain born from such poignant, such indescribable love. All failures drift away upon the breeze of your boy's smile as he breathes life into your love. Such fragile strength, wonderful.

[Teri B]

A beautiful poem for a beautiful child, and the beautiful promise he represents for your family...and for you!

[Layla Anne Massaro]

Ohhhh, he is sooo adorable. Wonderful poem. You seem to be a very loving and caring daddy. >:D

[MissWordSmith]

Oh god, this was so touching and beautiful! I have no words, no criticism for this.

[Muse]

What a cute little man! Loving words and feelings that only a parent can know.
My favorite part is when you realize that despite your own failures you see in him success. I feel the same way about my 2 daughters. Very well written and a beautiful write Jeremy.

[Lilly]

Incredibly beautiful and heartfelt. Such love and emotion in your words speaking of your boy!
"Never has my heart existed outside
my own body"

"As I help him
build his memories, I hope he leaves space for me."

I love those two lines - shows so well the relationship of a parent and child...
Great poem.

[Tasha]

Awwww he's so adorable. This was amazing, it shows how much your son means to you.. and thats the world. Outstanding job.
♥ Ta'Shandra

[Kenneth The Poet]

You have described fatherhood exceedingly well. I am glad you have this inspiration so close at hand.

[Shante Payne]

I'm in tears at this. You muct be an AWESOME daddy! I love this it has so much passion, support, love, and you've got that little boy up there on a pedalstool. He's very lucky.

Thank you!

[KimLove "The Beautiful ..]

Awwww, Jeremy the feeling of pure unconditional love. You described it well our children are the only ones who can see past all our flaws and love us anyway. Isn't it grand. Know what even better which one day you will hopfully know and get to feel. When you hold in your arms for the first time your childs, child.Amazing at the the pure and utter joy one feels. You have captured you love for you son and his for you very well. Cherish these moments for as long as you can. There will come a day in the distant future where his friends will be most important too him and you will miss these days where he looks at you as if you are Superman!!! xoxo

[a_mystery]

Excellent narrative of a father! I always think what my father feels about me, I hope he has similar feelings as you.

"For my boy will be a man someday and I dare not
get it wrong. Never has my heart existed outside
my own body, never have my beloved and I succeeded
in blending our love to such perfection. As I help him
build his memories, I hope he leaves space for me."

Something in this stanza made me feel a little sentimental, perhaps its the hope and joy of parenthood.

You have structured the poem nicely, I think I have to learn a lot from you. Great write.