It will come, the dumbfounded look

that will crease your face, puzzled shrinkage

one afternoon, or evening when words

pass lips that only a moment before

were full of childish glee and wonder,

probing questions become statements,

optimism and love

in their eyes becomes care, you hope,

and you’re left feeling as if the world has turned

and forgotten to tell you, that the positions

have changed and now you are the one galloping towards…

well the land of the not quite sure,

your brow deepens, your furrow tightens

and all of a sudden, you realise

your children have grown in your shadow

and have marched on ahead, taking your own

silhouette and now occupy the skin

you once borrowed

from your own father.

Ian D. Hall 2018