by Ruth Marie Brown

I watched at the half-open window,
As he came pounding up the hill,
And I thought, "He's not just a half-grown man,
He's his Father's wish, fulfilled."

For Daddy taught him everything
A growing boy should know.
Like how to tie his shostrings,
and when to blow his nose.

And how to swing a baseball bat,
Even if you miss the ball,
And "Stand up straight and proud, boy,
If you're gonna grow so tall."

Then it was how to swing an axe,
And water the cattle right
Then what to say to a pretty girl,
And never run from a fight.

Now it's "keep the fire a-burnin',
And watch brother while we're gone,
So you can drive the car tonight,
But don't back-talk your Mom!"

Yes, Son, you're growing up,
And you'll soon be gone away.
But your Father's wish has been fulfilled,
And the memories will stay.