My Son Poem by Lynn W. Petty

The father of a daughter, now a son;
Black hair, with ruddy color, see him there?
The nurse held up my child for me to see,
And then, reminded me that I was one
Of many fathers who had had a son,
And not to rap so hard upon the glass.
"Intensive care is just a floor below.'
I saw within that hardened front, a smile
That seemed to know, to understand, the love
And pride that lay within my heart and soul.
She held me in a visual embrace,
Then said, "The tender way you looked upon
That boy, you looked upon your girl the same
Kind way. The countless faces looking through
That glass have lacked the depth that swept across
Your face.Your eyes revealed your heart, your soul
Was seen.' I kissed her hand and turned to look
Again. Bathed in the element of love,
Lost in the depth of smiling gratitude, I asked,
My son, my son, what does your fate portend?
What is your place within this worldly scene?
Now, standing in the morning of your life,
I pledge to you, as love stands here with me,
I promise you, whatever that I may,
All things that make a strong and loving man.