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.

[Brette Medb]

Children are pushed much too far and quickly these days. They are expected to know how to read by the time they reach kindergarten and from a child psychology standpoint, yes this is easily done however the pressure to perform and succeed from the time they enter school is so strong these days that they burn out so much quicker and resent the whole learning process. There are too many parents who no longer encourage but demand their children be better than ultimately they can be at such a young age, not every child is a genius but that shouldn't diminish the brain and the longing to learn that they can have. Being happy is a goal each and everyone can achieve if only parents and society allow it. Truly great poem.

[Kenneth The Poet]

Quite the piece.

[Creepy Swine Guy]

This is a very nice poem. I can appreciate the work that goes into rhyme as much of my poetry used to rhyme. Maybe I've gotten lazy. But I like your message very much. I only ask that my daughter be a good person.

[JB Murray]

Really strong write.

[JanieB]

Excellent write Tate. "Happy"..a truly wonderful answer. Too many people except so much from their children.

[Kristallo]

You know, it's better to expect much of your children than to expect nothing of them and to be careless of their endeavors through life. My own parents know nothing of my progression though college, of my job, my friends, my life- and that's of their own devise. The point is, you shouldn't be too hard on yourself for expecting greatness from the ones you love. Your children are lucky to have you. Beautiful, elegant write and very meaningful. I love it.

[Tomi]

I'm in awe of this! being a first child i completely relate to this. We often expect more from each coming generation. I hope more people, parents, schools e.t.c help children and youth find true happiness and Joy in excecuting their potentials as opposed to making them what their parents or society expect them to be. Thank you for this great piece sir. Enjoyed it very much

[.]

I love this, Tate. I agree that parents put too much pressure on their kids these days. It is here that these poor souls lose not only their imagination, but their own voice as well. Great read , sir.

-Cord

[EMMIE]

So interesting. I can definitely relate to this and I'm sure I am not alone out here. It's really something to think about. Oh and how looooove Sinatra!!! Great poem!