To Dave, Entering his Teens

Maker of breakfasts, bringer of cups of tea
in bed; and papers, once, but now you read them –
boy with uncanny resemblances to me
in various ways (later, perhaps, you’ll breed them:
the arguing stronghold, the way you wear a mac,
slight torpor, and the bursts of activity – )
boy with your own dear way of answering back –
you’re on your own track now, it’s good to see.

Animal tree-skilled, racer at high jumps, walker,
cyclist, player of ball-games, games of mind;
chess-huntsman, player with words, a tricky talker;
hoarder of facts of all and every kind;
artist of telling skill and moving force;
reader of novels and of poetry –
and fine musician, of a deep inner resource –
you’re on your own track now, it’s good to see.

Stamp enthusiast, enthusiast for living,
watcher of clouds and sky, a country boy
(who knows?) at heart; happy, I know, in giving;
forgetful sometimes, well able to annoy . . .
an all-round scholar at school; amusing mimic;
an often-discerning watcher of TV,
in tune with both the serious and the comic . . .
you’re on your own track now, it’s good to see.

David, old son, you seem to show good sense
with money; and you’re strong in health. I see
you springing like an arrow through events . . .
you’re on your own track now, it’s good to see.