My gentle grown son,
I see the age in your eyes, 
your soft weariness.

I walk beside you-
my season is darkening,
my heart is the same.

I can’t lift you up- 
engage in life on your terms, 
you must not look back. 

Keep moving along-
the path we made together
can form a new branch.

Children can follow
tramping down the overgrowth, 
making their own way.