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For You, Son
by Michael Smith
For you, Son
weeds tap on fence poles
whilst algae-stained water
whirls within the swimming pool
For you, Son
Fungus infests unwashed pots and pans
containing rusting cutlery
once held by filthy hands
For you, Son
our hearts tear
in trying to support the weight
of another crisis to bear
For you, Son
we shed tears
whilst envisioning the joy you'd bring
in our unlived years
For you, Son
we will aim to be
For you, Son
we'll write poetry
12/17/2007 Author's Note:
In loving memory of my first-born son.
Posted on 07/30/2009
Copyright © 2024 Michael Smith
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by Gregory O'Neill on 07/30/09 at 07:45 PM Achingly beautiful, Michael. The repetition echoes the feelings brilliantly. Songs of loss, like this, flow from love, and somewwhere, love is listening and hears all. Delighted. Thanks. |
| Posted by Kristine Briese on 07/30/09 at 07:46 PM This is beautiful, Michael. I'm so glad to have found it. |
| Posted by George Hoerner on 07/30/09 at 08:13 PM Would that all of our sons and daughters read and understand our poetry. Really good write! |
| Posted by Allison Smith on 07/31/09 at 12:55 AM Beautiful Wesley, how I miss him :( |
| Posted by Elizabeth Jill on 07/31/09 at 05:34 PM The weight will strengthen your wings, I pray.
Tears spill and cover this poem with kindness. |
| Posted by Alison McKenzie on 08/01/09 at 05:24 AM I don't know how you ended up knowing this truth, but I'm so sorry you learned it. I know the feeling, life turned upside down, turned inside out, and in the upside-downness of things, a child leaves before we do. And it's twighlight zone from then on... |
| Posted by Lauren Singer on 08/01/09 at 07:14 PM that is intensely sad, and quite lovely. |
| Posted by Gregory O'Neill on 08/01/09 at 08:39 PM Congrats on hitting the top, a deserving poem indeed! Thanks. |
| Posted by Chris Sorrenti on 08/02/09 at 04:31 PM Personal tragedy very well presented with love and sensitivity. |
| Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 08/03/09 at 08:15 PM There is a quiet beauty in this and a deep sadness. "For you, Son" - such simple words with such deep meaning. Thank you. |
| Posted by Kristine Briese on 08/05/09 at 09:52 PM Look at you, Michael Smith, in the top 10! Congratulations! |
| Posted by Scott Utley on 01/15/10 at 01:34 AM Gorgeous .... |
| Posted by Nicole D Gregory on 01/16/10 at 04:49 AM You have the kind of depth and expression that I wish I could make the 26 letters of our alphabet come together for. I am in awe. Kindness and sorrow... potential and loss... beautifully written. You have tangled my heart with this piece. ~N |
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