Days That I Have Known

Tatertot

The days of life are winding down

as I but fear what lies ahead

My son has reached that time in life

that always filled my mind with dread

There's just a year until that day

when I just hope that I may grow

To be the man, I pray I can

as the time comes to let him go

This week we go on vacation

and as we share these times of  joy

Within the bonds of family

he'll spend his last days as a boy

I've done what I set out to do

back so many a year ago

 Instilling in him foundations

of all the things he needs to know

Oh please just let me be gracious

and smile when the day draws near

Then wish him well, as time will tell

if I can overcome my fear

For then my son will be a man

with strength to face the new found dawn

In knowledge that he's not alone

as my heart breaks for all that's gone

Author's Note

I knew this this day would come. It is so near I can taste it. I will walk out to see him off with a smile upon my face. Give him the speech I like to call "what it means to be a man". Tell him to trust his instincts. Never take something for nothing. Never take unfair advantage of another nor let them take unfair advantage of him. Help those who need it and respect all the women in his life. "Son the value of a man lies not in what he owns, but in what he gives to others". Then I'll wave as he sets off, as my heart simply breaks.

Reviews

[Veronica Chandler]

Warmth and tenderness wash over me in waves as I read this moving piece penned straight from your heart. The values you ask of your son as he sets sail on the winds of life are embedded in his DNA, for he is your son and has learned by watching you embody those values. It will take practice, like riding a bike for the first time takes practice and little bit of blood, but his foundation is strong. May his compass always guide him to a true north, so that he always knows where home is, the place he can always return to, and be fully embraced. Yes, your heart will break, it will never be the same again, but the wonders of watching him live out his life are well worth the pain.

[Tate Morgan]

I thank you very much I am trying my best

[melissa]

This is a wonderful poem i can't wait to read more

[Tate Morgan]

My son is now at the age where Ill have to face letting him go

[Angel Criner]

Beautiful... I imagine that this is how my father and possibly even my mother feels as the time for leaving the nest has come upon us all. I'll be 18 next month and your perspective has given me a moment's walk in my parents' shoes.
Thank you.
I wish for you and Tate the best.
(:

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you very much so sorry it took so long to answer this I have been busy.I thank you

[Angel Criner]

No problem at all; Take care.

[Margaret Marie Hubbard]

Such a good daddy! I have two sons and dread the day they will be grown men. As a mother it's a different view I'm sure. But as a parent we do all we can for them to help make life easier and dreams attainable. I am positive with your beautiful mind you have passed on as much knowledge and unique view of the world as you can. Good luck to you and be brave my friend. The joy of having children is hoping we get it right and our legacy can continue through them and their children!! Much love!

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you I have the same idea. i always tell tate his duty is to replace himself with an even better soul. It has long been my opinion that children work better in the environment that rewards good behavior not the one that punishes the bad . I(t is a simple philosophy that has held me in good steed As to myself i will be heart broken and unconscionable i imagine lol

[Imogean Tweetie]

As a mother of four sons, 3 of which are grown--I understand, and with a powerful punch, I wonder if I could have done better with them... Thought provoking and great use of rhyme to set it off. Not bad for organized poetry. You should write for Hallmark, they love stuff like this.

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you I never gave it any thought I write for myself and for my family. I thank you very much.

[wordman]

a beautiful write about fatherhood tate and the music ang graphics blended perfectly

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you so much Being a father is the greatest job i ever had

[poetdoug]

Well done my friend. The photos add so much also. Speaking as a father, I completely identify with your feelings.

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Doug I do appreciate that

[poetdoug]

You are welcome. You're a good and thoughtful Dad.

[Tate Morgan]

If I could control what I be remembered for Please let it be that. If ever I had a job that fit me to a T it is father

[MoriartyMesa]

Now if this was me, (and keep in mind I know nothing of writing) I would have had this for background https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeWPT2d43zI

[Tate Morgan]

hi man the video claims to be gone

[SarahLin]

Being a parent can be hard sometimes...

[Tate Morgan]

Yeah it can thank you

[Michael G. Smith]

All we can do and give them the tools. Their departure is symbolic of our leaving our heavenly father and coming to earth.

[Tate Morgan]

I am getting a bit Leary that i didn't teach mine mechanics as I should he was always int o sports so i did them alone

[Michael G. Smith]

You can always define a good parent by how much they worry.

[Tate Morgan]

yeah i agree good parents worry over everything with their own