The Ties That Bind

My son thought it an adventure learning how to build on real scale Who could say they don't love the day when their sons light shone in detail

My son thought it an adventure

learning how to build in full scale

Who could say they don't love the day

when their boy's light shone in detail

 

We had worked into the evening

my son and I together played

Sharing the trials exchanging smiles

rebuilding the home where we stayed

 

He felt this would be a great test

knowing on him I would depend

I think he knew as I did too

that summer was about to end

 

I drift back in dreams to the day

we both held to our love of clan

The autumn breeze played through the trees

saying my boy was now a man

 

Johnny Cash   Home of the Blues 

Author's Note

Our house had suffered smoke damage last summer. It was a telling time for sure. But through it all my son stood by me. He and he alone helped me rebuild what we had lost. I realized when he turned down going to meet friends for a trip to Cedar point just to help me finish our new deck that he was a man. But as we passed smiles back and forth I also knew I was losing my little boy. It is a great feeling to know you have done well by your child. It is also so sad to realize that the day will soon come that I will have to let go. I can say when a man is a boy all the new days ahead are adventures. But to a father time seems to test your resilience. While everything is exciting to the young who find it new. Life makes us grow when older by learning to let go.

Reviews

[Deviant Works]

I'm going to be honest with you, Tate, which I am sure you already expect from me... I'm hoping I don't cry the rest of the night over this piece. You just radiate, glow with this giving warmth and love of family. And I cannot help but feel it, to be reminded of my own constant, unending love for family. At times I wish life had a remote just so I can push pause, stop time for a moment and soak in the smiles of my loved ones, the days that have brought us all the more closer. I'm so sorry for the fire, for what was lost. But I am so very happy for what was gained because of it, rebuilding your home with your son who became a man right before your eyes. Another wonderful piece, my friend.

[Quinn Blackburn]

I like the title change. Good choice as that is really what life challenges like this one are all about. Wonderful wordcrafting revealing that home is where your heart is, much more than just a form of wood and concrete.

[Theodore]

This is GREAT! Another great one under the belt...

[Arabdha]

you were right..this is a very moving piece..part of understanding life is accepting the fact everything is transient..and sooner or later you have to let go..but memories remain..beautiful write !

[G. Marie"floating on an..]

Hi Tate, This was an incredibly touching poem! It was full of emotion and pride that you felt for your son. In a blink of an eye he was forced to become a man out of love and loyalty to you and his family. You must have done one great job of raising this son of yours. He sounds like a wonderful son. Your poem spoke of pride in him being a man yet sadness of loosing your little boy. Yes, Tate we have to let go of them..... but they always come back home....... is where his heart will always be and yours too. I am so happy he was there to help you in return for all you have given him, loved your poem. it was so beautiful, Hugs, Gina

[sarah]

This is so incredible such a great poem and message love the flow of great emotion

[G. K. Bostic]

What a wonderful relationship you must have with your son. I know it's a wonderful gift you must cherish, and you've written this lovely piece which shows that. Great job!

[Siddartha Beth Pierce]

I, as a mother, can truly relate to this as well as I have a son. Not that we have ever suffered such a thing although my father and his family lost their house in a fire when he was young...I understand and empathize with the parental struggle between bonding and releasing here. Well done, as always!
Love and Light,
Siddartha

[xjust-for-me.x]

the child must grow up and yes it pains us to let them go they never really leave us just go away from us but never far, for they still need us in the background of their lives to lend that silent support or to extend the helping hand once in awhile, the bond between child and parent grows stronger when they leave sometimes. love the poem ty.