“Be Happy” (Expectations)
“Be happy,” demands our delightful three year old
when Dad’s countenance reflects work frustrations
when Mum is unusually despondent or impatient
or when stern words begin to fly in prelude
to that ugly word ARGUMENT.
“Are you happy?” we hear his slightly quavering voice
as we stumble across the sugar bowl contents
strewn mysteriously over tiles.
How could we not be happy, our negative emotions dissipate
as our wise, loving and spontaneous child
reminds us of the error of our ways
his small expectations lovingly met with a smile and a hug
aware that he and his brothers before him are the lucky ones
children who will happily pursue their dreams
fulfil their expectations
secure in the knowledge of our love and support
not subject to poverty, sickness, violence, incest
as are so many other of the world’s children
children robbed of their childhood
so numbed by the harsh reality of day to day existence
they have no expectations.
If you my sons will one day hear the pain of these other children
shed a tear, reach out to them if only in your hearts
then my expectations of you will also be realised
that you have become the kind, caring, and compassionate men
as I know you will
with all the love and trust our “baby” displays
with his plea for us to “be happy.”
Yellow Rain-hat
Little boy in the over sized yellow rain-hat
His smile below beaming
as big and bright and gleaming
yellow as the sun.Who could know
it was raining outside?
Little boy with the startling red hair
(only physical beauty –
you were always special to me)
Strangers often clucked “such beautiful hair”
Didn’t know it was him simply being there
who brought me colours
when it was raining outside
Could they see all the shades of my little boy’s laughter
soft blue of the sky
pink clouds scudding by
crystal clear colours of refreshed countryside
after summer surprises, when it had been raining outside
Little boy with the knowing hazel eyes
eyes that saw everything, hinting
blue, green and brown, shining
reflecting his trust, understanding my sighs
when it was raining, raining, raining outside!
Little boy with the cool, white skin
delicate pale limbs scaring me with their fragility
his dependence on me, his innocence and child’s vulnerability
It was only a mother’s protective concern
worrying you to come in when it was cold
and raining outside
Little boy I see grown tall, strong and tanned
Do you know of the colours you placed in my hand?
Glow of laughter and loving, mists of tenderness and dreams
Your big yellow rain-hat shining in the rain.
(both copyright AT)
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