A son who always shines

To a fine young man who makes me proud




When I lifted you from the crib

and pressed your delicate head next to my chin

I enjoyed the smell and touch of your smooth skin

Your wide eyes were always searching my soul

And still you have always made me feel whole

You are my infant son who occupies

a father's heart filled with love and hope

I never liked putting you back down

In fact, I would frown when you struggled
in my arms to touch the ground

And now, you no longer need me to carry you places

Your long limbs and strong back

will easily take you to these open and unexplored spaces

I will always miss the bliss of holding you tight to my chest

even though there times when there was no time for me to rest

And yet, although I was sleep deprived,

you always made me feel alive with your bright smile

And as the years pass, and my gray hair becomes sparse

Do me a favor and allow an old man to still hug you tight

So that I may savor those memories

of a child who showered me with delight

and pointed me toward the light

I

- Anthony Blasi