You Are Taller Than Me

A poem about growing up

Back when I was still taller (and younger, and fitter, and more adventurous)

Today we stood back to back.
And for the first time,
You are taller than me,
Even though you used to fit in my arms.

I thought I had two years left, at least.
But at least I made it this far.
Because I have something
To say to you, my son…

Keep growing! Keep going!
Surpass me by a hundred thousand feet
Never let me hold you back.
But do listen, a little longer, son…

The dragons, they are real.
And I gave them too much time
On my shoulder. You’re not the
Fool that I was at your age,

But do not entertain such dragons.
Slay them. Or flee, right away.
For they feed on no less than one’s soul
And you still have growing to do.

You're to be a mighty oak with branches
To the heaven of heavens; And though, I—
Like Peter—will probably get there first,
There will be no boast on my lips.

For you are there to see the King
Who made you and me
And made us able to see
The heaven of heavens.

Keep growing! Keep going!