for Robert
Yesterday you were an angel,
today you are a man.
Yesterday when you
were moments from heaven--
perfect innocence
just learning to breathe
I was a child
who couldn't allow my heart
to leave my body.
But finally it left
and followed
every step you took.
Yesterday
in a whirlwind of activity
I was always telling you:
not now . . . later . . .later . . .
I didn't realize that
when later comes,
it's often too late.
There was always something to do
I thought I'd regret not doing.
Why couldn't I see
my only regret
would be the time
not spent with you?
So many dreams are left
without conclusions.
So much of the world
left outside our tiny lives.
So many plans
never make their way into reality,
Fantasies are glass palaces
that shatter day by day.
But oh, the blessings I've known!
Dropped into my arms was a joy
I could roll around in like
Summer-scented grass.
For life happened
despite all my struggles,
God wove me a dream out
of love and a spirit.
For one dizzying,
galloping season
He loaned me an infant . . .
a boy. . . a man.
now your life is no longer mine,
but my heart will forever be yours.