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.

[joshua deathdealer]

This is a very touching piece. I like the effect and imagery, plus the author's note. Excellent excellent work.

[Helen Crutchett]

Beautiful picture Tate! The song had me in tears, that one always does. I truly loved this well penned work as usual. This had a wonderful ambiance about it and the great responsibilities we have in bringing up children. I often ponder whether I was a good Mum or not, well they have grown into three fine young men whom I am so proud of. We never could give them a lot of
"things" but there was always PLENTY of love and hopefully happiness. I know they did and are still giving me both!

A 'reach for the tissues' this one Tate, and certain beautiful. Thank you!

[Cree Nations]

"We might just ask too much of each newly born generation expecting them to build upon the previous foundation"

That is a profound statement, this particular verse, and it hit me like a sucker punch. One of Stamnow's Criminal Thinking errors is "unrealistic expectations" and I am so guilty of this. I have to remind myself my sons do not have to live up to my expectations because they are MINE, not their own individual expectations.

We cripple them with the goals we place and the demand that they reach them.

Tate this is an incredible piece you have written here, and indeed one of if not the best of your works I have read to date.

Holdfast your dream...and continue to give your children the gift to dream on their own.

Well done Tate, well done.

[Barbara Walker]

I agree 100%! Paraphrasing Kahil Gibran, they are of us, but do not belong to us, etc., etc.

[Emerald Seas]

Beautiful senitments, Tate. I agree with David's comments below. I am so proud of my kids. They are mature thinkers, respectful, they each have a desire to give back (to serve in some way), fairly confident for their age(s), and vastly aware of what is going around them in the world. We have meaningful discussions on their futures - with each of them leading with their interests and career ideas, emphasis on THEIR futures. It is thrilling to watch them pursue their passions and look toward the future with excitement (and some apprehension). They are well prepared to tackle the road ahead.

At this point - we are here to guide them, but allow them to make many of their own choices and decisions - and let them deal with the concequences. They know we will always love and support them. However, they're at the breaking away stage, the independent stage to do more and more on their own... and for each of them to be content and confident through this - and throughout their lives is an achievement.

[Alicia Schroeder]

This was beautiful, happiness within the immortal soul, I hope this for all children as well as my own, this was an amazing write :)

[Sunflower/Sara Kendrick]

Great wish to give happiness to your son and the future generation..I have a great grandson son now and he is so wide open, questioning, and wanting to know everything...Enjoyed reading your work..Very creative ..Your work is getting better..Sunflower/Sara

[Marcus Walker]

The message is very deep and is touched upon with the care only a parent could understand. "We might just ask too much of each/ newly born generation /Expecting them to build upon/ the previous foundation" is a great stanza that I warmed towards immediately. It is a very deep thoughtful poem, that has an honest supportive message. Well done!

[rosemary keogh]

Very nice tate. Ive 5 children of my own. Its hard going trying to push them in the right derection. Sometimes what we want for them. They want somthing totally different. But its not so bad they do find their feet. Their happy. Im happy. Enjoyed this peice

[Serenity Faith]

What a beautiful answer to a life question ^_^ Agree wholeheartedly. I only hope I can teach my daughter from my own mistakes. What she does afterwards as an adult...I will simply support and be there for her as needed. I only want her to follow what I was taught by my grandparents. "Love everyone and hate no one. Like a few and try to dislike fewer. And pray for those who hate themselves." Ah, sorry for my mini rant. Your piece brought it out of me.