His discomfort is not just from
The way he sits. He will come to know
These houses, these trees, this city
As though it were his own, but
For now they are merely an expression
Of how far into the unknown he is.

This is the next great adventure:
Finding without being shown;
Stretching apron strings to breaking point;
A voyage of discovery to a new place
In the world and himself.

Seen from twice his age, he looks
So very young, as though his shoulders
Are far too slight for this burden.
He will discover what he can carry
When he tries to lift.

This is an end and a beginning
Rolled into one: soon he will understand
That all ends are beginnings, and that
Blessings come in the most cunning
Of disguises; it can take years
To see through them.

It is tempting to envy him,
But I do not: at twice his age,
I am still learning, still discovering.
I am glad to be beyond that
Most difficult of times, but
Still have challenges to come.

At last, I have learned the value
Of rest, of giving myself a break,
Of taking time to enjoy what I have.
I hope this lesson comes
More quickly for him.

09/19/2017

Posted on 10/08/2017
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