Running Down the Driveway

RUNNING DOWN THE DRIVEWAY

Three running down the driveway in delight
Or two racing around in one baby walker  near the fence
Or one practising the piano  at night :
They  were the end reason for my privileged existence.

In the garden  planting and sheltering flowers  from the hot sun,
And the struggle with the tree in the wind, with  ropes securing it,
And her reading lessons from school made bright with  fun, 
And the two boys making a soft place for the cat  to sit  -

Outshine all the places I’ve been, people I’ve  known.
Successes I’ve had:  they  are nothing.  All the achieving:
Absolutely nothing.  Compared with the memory of those three  -  now grown  - 
Running down the driveway when I came home  in the evening.

And how they started to look like their parents, girl or boy, 
In such sparkling  and unpredictable ways
Churns up my soul with feelings of  thanks  and joy,
Against which brightness all else dims throughout my days.

Being their father  is the greatest privilege, for which I would gladly pay. 
At the end  I will wish for nothing  except the pleasure to be 
Once again there and see them running down the driveway
Laughing, shouting, flinging  six arms around me.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
June 21, 2013 at 7:38 PM
This is so beautiful and full of feeling and meaning. I love it!! Congrats
Gildersleeve Avatar
June 21, 2013 at 6:19 PM
Sidney I truly enjoyed this wonderful poem. Congratulations on your fine win. Warm Smiles, Connie
Richards Avatar
June 21, 2013 at 5:38 PM
This one, just warms my heart with love tucked between the lines in such a heartwarming, yet subtle way. I love this poem!!
Guzzi Avatar
June 21, 2013 at 12:58 PM
I am beyond glad to see you back on soup please DO email me [& T also since I LOST your emails!] Congrad's on Your WIN!
Dietrich Avatar
November 19, 2011 at 7:27 AM
wow,Sydney, this is so touching. It reminds me of that country song. From my front porch or something like that. Do you know the one I mean? the man is singing about the joy of his little ones. I was rereading old comments to old posts and saw your comments there to me and realized that all along your name was Beck and for some reason my mind only registered it the other way, so I'm sorry I got confused on that. Glad you liked my reference to the bird "becking" at your nose. hahaha. Luv, Andrea
Lane Avatar
November 18, 2011 at 1:11 PM
I know Sydney, I know. My Father-in-law has Alzheimer's and sometimes he will talk to us like it was 25 years ago and through his eyes I see my two kids as little kids ont he beach at the lake again. I miss it too. Tony
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