Our Son has just turned 40 and You My Loved One, Mine

                                     

  I wrote this in honour of our son turning 40 and used it as the verse in his birthday card, (that Pete made on the computer.)

                           ODE TO ASHLEY

Excitement reigned supreme the day you came into the world,
a baby is a blessing, whether boy or girl,
Along the way the challenges would mount to quite a few
But we had joys in many ways learning things with you.

 For parents are beginners when along come little lads
 And pretty soon they learn to be better mums and dads
 It’s the little things that matter in the end and bring them joy,
 That first step he takes, first day at school, first job of their big boy.

First girlfriend is a real delight, not expected in grade nine!
What is all that giggling? Is he yours or is he mine?
Then he’s got his licence. OMG...is that our car?
Oh, I know it’s not your fault, son.You said, “The fault is with the car!”

Adventures come in thick and fast, with jobs and getting married,
He seemed too young a while ago, responsibilities to carry,
But we wouldn’t change him for the world, he’s kind and never haughty...
Congratulations son, and love, you’ve reached the age of 40!


 This free verse one I wrote for a competition... definitely fiction.

YOU, MY LOVED ONE MINE

You stood in the rain,
patient, waiting, determined,
until I alighted from the train.
The whistle blew; I was alone.
But I saw you there, a short way off.
MY heart leapt. I wanted to run--
back to you--- into your arms,
but the memory of the argument lingered.
And it niggled.

My insides felt cold,
yet the root of my gut burned.
I looked down at the glistening train tracks,
and back to you.
Then with the impact
of a freight train run amok,
It hit me.
I recognized the heartache;
you wore it like a cloak,
weighty on your shoulders.
I recognized the longing,
the silent calling,
from your solitary stance.
My chest ached.

Loved without condition,
but selfish,
introverted totally,
reality’s encompassing impact
had not yet lifted me
into the realms of maturity.

One fleeting moment surely,
would be all you needed;
one glimpse of me...
to cause you to run to me,
and recognize my innocence in all this.
Yet still you stood,
dripping, staring.
You were centred, assured.
You were composed, even in your lonely oneness.

Mine was a stout heart I thought--
a strong resolve.
But truly remorseful at least.
and growing in the moment,
I hesitated only for a second.
Then I ran to you.
The splashing rain puddles were a distant audience.
Inside the rapid embrace of my arms you shivered,
then crushed your rain-soaked lips to mine.