Today's Syllabus (For Anwar Amilcar)

Look, boy, I will not say I am not proud of you You building foundations for my pyramid so soon I pray for you blessings in times of sun and moon I pray your table banquets of joy may feast you And that the mother of my grandchildren will be Clothed with honor from your lips, and comforts From your hands. A woman and wife deserves glory For bringing our being and future into present courts Of existential history. Shelter her with your heart And be slow to anger never when her moods depart The callous ways of the masculine will to do. Yet Now, let me write you another truth of love, my son I did not expect you to come to fatherhood and fret Of for all the building work of self undone. Life's ton Needs muscles of character, braced by a bright mind To carry things to happy conclusion that needs seek. You will search the years ahead, but will never find The past of opportunities that fashion gifts. A meek Man learns before experience teaches him the things That make the old sing Psalms and pray for wings. True education is the legacy of the past that we use As keys for tomorrow's doors, without it, child we may Travel in circles, and the journey takes us in a noose Of fumbling frustrations ... and then to slow, slow decay. What skills have life taught your hands, what will you Teach your children ... a stone is only solid sand, which Will you build upon? Will you see her eyes like a dew Sparkling with pride when she looks at you? Yes, a rich Purse is necessary, but riches is a treasure we earn From the reward of service. O, my son, look and learn For kindness of the heart, and passion of the hands are More than diamonds hidden in the distant dream of stars. Today's syllabus is my love ... and love hides its scar In praise, dwell with your woman in peace, regret is war, And you who war with your soul shall drink bitterness From soggy tears; my son, love seeks the other's happiness.