My Shoulders Poem by Jim Yerman

When I was young I didn't quite understand my shoulders,
"Shoulders! " I would scoff.
"Why they're just here to help hold up my head
and to keep my shirts from falling off".

It wasn't until I became a parent…until I became a Dad
that I finally came to realize the importance my shoulders had.

Soon after that blessed day…it really didn't take long
to realize why my shoulders were there…
and why they needed to be strong.

When my children were so very young
when their life still so brand new
my shoulders were there for them to ride on
and see life from a different point of view.

And when they grew a little older…as their life unfurled
my shoulders were there for them to stand on…
as they stepped into the world.

Along the way I learned a funny thing about my shoulders
for…near as I can tell
not only do they have to be strong…
but they need to be soft as well.

Strong so my children can lean on them
when their life is filled with dread
And soft, when they need comfort,
for a place to lay their head.

Yes, everyday when I look in the mirror
I have a million reasons to be elated
not the least of which is knowing
why my shoulders were created.