A FATHER'S SONNET
by Galen of Bristol
(c) 1995, Paul T. Mitchell, all rights reserved.
A man will be here soon, so strong and tall,
So intelligent, sensitive and kind.
But whether by his own will or my call?
What I do before he gets here may find.
I have never seen this man approaching,
Although my thoughts and actions are for him.
He'll judge me -- will I be worth reproaching?
Or thank me for what's done? The future's dim.
I know he's coming fast now in this boy,
Who runs and plays and questions through the world.
His frustrations, his battles and his joy
Shape him whose banner soon will be unfurl'd.
For the boy will be a man in the end.
Will I be his enemy or his friend?
