To My Younger Son With Love

(I have two sons- late arrivals after long years of waiting. My elder son left home for his studies relatively at a young age. My younger son was with us until he left for his medical school. When he too left, we felt quite lonely. This poem was written some years back soon after his leaving home. Now he is a doctor. I mean every word of what I have written about him. He is such a joy.) My son, to us, you’re so very special For reasons not just one or two! But when you announced your arrival first At an unexpected time and age- Was it with joy or fear, still not so sure That I first felt the faint stirrings of life inside Sure, when you barged in more like a late night guest You gifted us with a mixed pack After eight months of anxious wait When you showed up a little earlier than due With a clear shriek and a piercing cry All our fears vanished, all anxiety fled Like a cute little kitten with eyes shut You slept peacefully day and night Refusing to suck your mother’s breast That again put your mom in severe stress You never threw any tantrums wild As all other babies usually do Pleasantly gentle with a chuckling smile You were a spring flower, come alive You readily accepted the cast away stuff; Broken toys and milk stained bib, Faded clothes and the little crib, Used recklessly by your naughty brother You never gave us any stress or pain Even in days of adolescent strain You were ever gentle and ready to mingle With eyes lit up with a delectable twinkle You are endowed with a loving heart When we are glum, you are by our side Your compassion, care and abiding love Are truly gifts, God has blessed you with You knew every nook and corner of the house Where each little thing placed and kept If something was amiss inside the house You would run as by a click and get it quick When you left for studies, miles away The house looked empty like an abandoned nest With no more songs in early dawn Until once in a while you returned to give it a tilt Time will fly and you’ll be grown An adult, ready to steer into your world But you are the reason that keeps us young And give our tired legs an unusual spring You lit our yesterdays with hopes for tomorrow And even after your hairline recedes Even after you become man and Dad You remain once and ever our 'cute baby' dear! March.8.2023 For You, Love Poetry Contest Sponsor- Regina McIntosh