My Immortal Soul

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 damned 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

Author's Note

The weight we place upon the shoulders of our children is also a heavy burden we carry upon our own souls. Knowing they will try to reach those expectations, whose fault is it really but ours if they cannot? We give them the gift of life. Then try to lead by example. However we can only hope we have done well by them and headed them in the right direction. Let happiness be your guide!

Reviews

[zainul]

I dedicate my reverence to Tate Morgan who presented this masterpiece for the community of humans engaging their talent and time in WritersCafe.
This poem has envisaged a popular discussion which has already earned about 80 reviews ans 800 views.
I feel proud that Tate has become in his right a great preacher for the good of family,children,tradition and heritage.
Reading all the amazing reviews,I am convinced to say that the world still belongs to pure human beings,not to the fictional characters like vampires,wolves,ghosts and aliens.
Family bondage,love among parents and children,social norms and values and responsibility of parents to their children and vice versa still make the world moving like an entity.
Tate created this poem instilling all good characters of good poem with rhymes which he specifically mentioned in his note.This is a lesson for all of us who choose perfection.
He tried to add other elements to amuse his readers too.The portrait of a happy child in a field of cereal makes me so happy that I feel myself in the paradise.
The addition of wonderful music video to entertain the readers reflects his taste of classical heart.
I agree with all reviewers what have been noted here for the benefit of our children.I strongly feel
that this poem along with its precious reviews is a great symbol of benevolent poetry.

[Tate Morgan]

What could I say to that fine review that wasn't felt in the reading of it? Truly a genuine and benevolent gift .I I feel honored and humbly thank you
Tate

[zainul]

I feel honored that you have accepted this humble review.
Thank you very much.

[MomzillaNC]

You're right, Tate. I think this is my favorite of your work.

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you it was a poem that seemed to write itself for the most part

[MomzillaNC]

You're welcome.

[AprilRN1210]

oh my lord... between the song and your breathtaking words I have tears streaming down my face.. This is the most moving thing I have ever read... the DEPTH of REAL emotion is so profound here, Tate... Even if you didn't place that burden on the children--- they still want to make you proud, to be the best that they can be for their parents.. I adore this message.. let happiness be your guide.. when you love someone you just want them to be happy, no matter what it is... and yes, that is all you can do is love your children, teach them respect and morals, lead by example, and arm them to survive and be happy in life, steering in the best direction.. amazing piece of work... absolutely stunning...

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you I sure appreciate that It has always been my hope that i would lead Tate down the right path,.He has been the greatest gift to me and i know now being a parent has been the job i was born for.

[AprilRN1210]

No, thank you for sharing this with me... I haven't been blessed with children yet, but I volunteer at a children's home and work part time with kids who have been abused, traumatized or have psychiatric disorders and there is nothing more rewarding than to touch their lives in a positive way and help them get on the right path.. I cannot fathom the joy and love of being a parent..

[Tate Morgan]

I have been lucky to have tate But there is another boy I tend to as well i dont know if i told you about Drake maybe i did. You know the day tate was born all my questions were answered and i knew why I was here and who I was

[AprilRN1210]

yes, you have explained a little about Drake... very heartwarming.. and somewhat bittersweet..

[Tate Morgan]

yeah well i still have Tate he goes to college next month and i will have to bear it

[Mira ThePoetess]

I loved that one Tate. You have a way to touch your readers with simplicity and honesty of your feelings. And pride tweaks vanity .. love that expression ....

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you very much it was a 93 yr old woman that taught me this lesson

[Mira ThePoetess]

Some people are meant to be in our path for a reason ....

[melissa]

This is a beautiful poem tate Keep up the great work i can't wait to read more

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you this is the title poem for my latest book

[melissa]

You're welcome

[WE]

such representation of a fathers love

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you grace It is a great job being a father and i relish it

[Al R. Arce]

This poem was simply outstanding! A perfect poem!

[Tate Morgan]

thank you I was just thinking on the day i spent with that old woman and wrote this in memory

[Lady Celery]

As an adolescent, I really appreciate the value that this poem holds for me. All I want in my life is to be happy, and my parents have fortunately been extremely supportive of me. I think happiness should be the most important goal for all of mankind, because it seems to be so often forgotten. This is a very provocative piece and I think it's great. P.S. I also loved the Sinatra, it definitely complimented the poem!

[Tate Morgan]

thank you so much i am sorry this took me so long

[wordwarrior]

well I understand that weight on our children's' shoulders in light of the recent news about Chicago! We do the best we can as parents. Laying those foundations of respect and pride in one's country and all who live there is the utmost we can do. Yes, our example is what they follow Tate.
Great poem with a strong message!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i love this poem and its philosophy...

we want them to be happy...and that is what matters...but if we have too high expectations, they will let us down...but like you said...it is really ourselves we are letting down because we are expecting too much.

really good piece, Tate.