A Poem To My Grown Up Son (and Daughter)

Since I'm on the subject of childhood today I thought I'd like to share a poem that meant a lot to me as my two kids were growing up.  I discovered this poem when my daughter was about 3 years old and my son was just one.  I remember publishing it in a Counseling Department newsletter about that time.  Periodically during my kids younger years I would take it out and read it silently to myself and each time I would get tears in my eyes thinking about the day when they would both be grown up and gone away.   They are happy, and incredibly successfull adults now and I couldn't be prouder than I am of both.  I hadn't thought about this poem in years, but I found it again a few weeks ago, read it silently, and the tears came back.   For all of you parents of young children, heed my warning.  Time flies.  Make the most of it. Build the memories now, because you're going to cherish everyone of them later.

I hope young parents will find as much meaning in this poem as I did then, and still do now.

"To My Grown-Up Son"

by Alice E. Chase

 

My hands were busy through the day,
I didn't have much time to play
The little games you asked me to,
I didn't have much time for you.

I'd wash your clothes; I'd sew and cook,
But when you'd bring your picture book
And ask me, please, to share your fun,
I'd say, "A little later, son."

I'd tuck you in all safe at night,
And hear your prayers, turn out the light,
Then tiptoe softly to the door,
I wish I'd stayed a minute more.

For life is short, and years rush past,
A little boy grows up so fast,
No longer is he at your side,
His precious secrets to confide.

The picture books are put away,
There are no children's games to play,
No goodnight kiss, no prayers to hear,
That all belongs to yesteryear.

My hands once busy, now lie still,
The days are long and hard to fill,
I wish I might go back and do,
The little things you asked me to.