A New Life

He sees his son and wonders,
"Will you be a good man? A strong man?
Are you ready to meet this world head on
And conquer it, before it conquers you?
It's up to me to show you how
To live the life before you now."

He sees his son and wonders,
"What hope do you have if your only hope is me?
You need a better man to learn from;
I don't think I'm up to the task,
And I have no father whom to ask
About these anxieties I mask."

He sees his son and wonders,
"How could he be part of me?
This perfect boy, who smiles with such ease,
Unaware of harsh realities,
These are his mother's qualities;
I have no such graces as these."

He sees his son and wonders,
"Will you follow the path I've set,
Leaving stones unturned, challenges unmet,
Living daily with your regret,
Or will your life be sadder yet?
How will I repay this debt?
For it is a debt I owe you, son.
You've taken my old life and replaced it with one
That is full of joy and hope and fear:
The highest of heights, but the lows are severe.
But whatever comes, I swear I will do
Everything I can for you."

Peace takes his mind as his young son sleeps
But in the depths of his heart, terror still creeps.