Ode To Son/Daughter Poem by harry hayes

Just think if I had strangled you'
As I often thought to do;
I wouldn't be a grand-parent,
So grateful thanks are due.

Grand-children are a special joy,
They bring a twinkle to the eye;
But only for an hour or two,
No need to tell you why.

Teach them 'please' and 'thank-you',
Any skills you may have stored;
And how to fill their leisure time,
So they never say 'I'm bored'.

How nice despite am empty hand,
They scramble for the knee;
Bringing out your gentler side,
How lucky can you be?

Observe your son or daughter,
Watching all this puzzling bliss;
'When I did that t'was naughty,
But now it's worth a kiss'

All to soon these self-same children,
Will emerge as fully grown;
And perchance become a parent,
With angels of their own.

Then you will be the wise one,
With time and love to share;
And fill a space within your heart,
You never knew was there.