For my children

My memories will fade one day

my eyes will shine less bright

and into dark I’ll surely slip

but you’ll remain my light

The best of me I hope I gave

My smile, my laugh my frown

from good and bad, your path I shaped

you’res the thing’s I’ve handed down

Your hand I help, your head I kissed

scraped knee and fever soothed

beside your bed all night I sat

a heart once hard so moved

And seasons pass, I watch and smile

you clamber, fight and strive

too quick to run before you walk

eyes bright and so alive

Each year that passes I embrace

such change and watch you grow

my hand let go you walk alone

and deep inside I know

Too soon my time will surely pass

alone you’ll be but find

your joy and hope and always feel

the love we leave behind