“the way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected, or the state of being connected”
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Relationship
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William Shakespeare once said; “‘Tis a happy thing to be the father unto many sons” and with “five” boys, and one little girl, I could not agree more.
Below is a poem I wrote in March of 1996, three months after my third son (Bryce) was born. I’ve had two more boys since (and one girl…Reese).
I wrote this poem at about 10:30 in the evening listening to Vanessa Williams sing a previously recorded song by Sting, “Sister Moon.”
I can still remember how I felt at that very moment. I had only been divorced from my first wife less than three years and I felt a tremendous amount of guilt for ending a marriage and for not being there every day with my oldest two boys.
On the other hand, I was very excited about my new son and the promise of spending everyday with him.
Still, it was a very tough time.
I hope you enjoy the poem.
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(L-R: Addison, Austin, Logan, Rhonda, Reese, Me, Bryce, & Ryan- 2014)
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“Eyes so bright, Soul so free”
To Logan, Austin, & Bryce | 3.26.1996
New life:
so precious, soul so free;
eyes so bright
when you search, what do you see?
Eyes are the windows to the soul.
Yours so innocent and clean,
I look in amazement and wonder aloud
how could anyone treat you cruel, treat you mean?
I give of myself,
fear and failure follow me.
A permit is needed for a gun,
but not for this responsibility.
eyes so bright, soul so free:
when you search, what do you see?
Educated in theory, thought, and form;
I took no classes on being a Dad.
Philosophy to econ was to be learned,
but teachings in parenthood were never the fad.
I seem lost without a map,
prepared only to add and subtract.
No classes, only my past-
that’s my lesson on how to act.
eyes so bright, soul so free:
when you search, what do you see?
New life, third of three,
before you there were two.
Skin so soft, spirits so new,
eyes so bright and full of blue.
To them promises were made,
too often without keep,
two spirits
I wonder if they truly sleep.
eyes so bright, soul so free,
when you search, what do you see?
They say you live and learn,
seems like I only live
wondering what will come next.
I hope I learn to give.
Material things are fine,
but priority is given to time and love.
Give these over this and that,
they too will see that nothing is above.
Eyes so bright, soul so free
when they search, what do they see?
You all give purpose and hope
to this old man’s life.
I hope to give you the same
without trouble and strife.
All three are part of me;
me all part of three.
Six bright eyes so intense
when they search, what do they sense?
This old man sees three,
praying that they will have more than me,
always hoping that their eyes stay bright
…their souls stay free
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”
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– Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)