The Poem

For my son

For my son


My son is four, he goes to school On 

the grey dawn with sleepy eyes

And pores intently over books at dusk

Distracted by birdsong and fireflies

His teacher though ignores my smile

But I know in my heart of hearts 

Edison too was slow

I remember nistorys~famed late starts

He is so dear to me, I thfnk

Of shadowed lashes on cheek, his toddling walk Rapt

meditation of his toes, after feeds

The whimper of fear in the dark

Born of me, my flesh my blood

For what must you struggle so

Why do I let them peel YOur innocence

Who is this unknown, nameless foe?