PARRISH AMES AND ME

Parrish Ames, I have known who you would be
Since the day you were just two feet; age three
With expressions and aims beyond your years
I knew that you would fill my heart with tears

This is what I also knew
That one day, me - you would me renew
By your talents and potentials so great
For me though, would they manifest too late?

Since I would be so very old
When your glowing stories are told
I will hear them raving about you
Will I will ask: “Parrish, who?”

Your sister, Desiree, says:
“When he is in your house, it is alive
Instead of one, it feels like five
He runs you raggedy when alone
But you miss him greatly when he is gone.”

Hurry, my son, and let the best of you out
All of your brilliance and thinking about
Love of women and loyalty to friends
Love for your parents - you don’t pretend

You, my youngest, we tried not to spoil
You elude freedom for a wall
You can stand in strong winds and not falter
When every fact and event says that you ought to

What I admire most about you, Parrish Ames
Is “up and at” energy towards stated claims
You inspire many to unreachable achievement
Your stamina and focus, however, don’t endure commitment

You are my son on a lonely desert place
I feel like Haggai and Ishmael needing an angel’s face
Sometimes I feel that it is just me and you
Only Almighty God, Jehovah can see us through
I am your mother

Earthene Fleming
October 4, 2005

Author's Comments:
"This completes my gift and legacy to my children. Each one is an "only child". Parrish Ames, however is six “only” children rolled into one. He is charming, intelligent and absolutely memorable; yet, imprinted with great imperfections. I will take the whole package of this man, my son."