In the Shadows

a poem dealing with my precious son growing up

In the Shadows

Earlier this night
As I stood
Hidden in the shadows
Watching you
Gathered with the other kids
Around the campfire,
Happily gobbling your s'more
And sharing how
If your mother was there
She would burn all the marshmallows.
I smiled to myself
And yet felt a whisper of sadness
Brush across my heart
As I saw you starting
Your journey away from me
And our cozy golden moments
Together.

I pictured you telling others
About me
With your firefly dimple
Flashing in amusement
And suddenly I was clutched by envy
As I thought of those who
Would bask in the light
Of your eyes lit up
Like birthday candles
While I would be
In a different
And dimmer place.

Now I stand here
By your side
And see you
Sprawled in your bed
Dreaming dreams
in wild, wonderful
young boy slumber.
I brush your hair
with my fingertips
and then clasp my hand
To my heart
So I can hold on
To this moment
And what I have with you
Forever.

Author's Note

If you choose to read this, please be honest! I appreciate it~