My Son

If every boy were my son, I would love him.

I would hold him past the blushes

And give him kisses on both cheeks.

If every boy were my son, I would feed him.

Heaping goodness on his plate, I would glow while

He ate, as the wonderful teeth carved away.

If every boy were my son, I would teach him.

Accepting nothing but his best, his first offerings

Would be upon my table.

If every boy were my son, I would watch him.

His eyes would be my window, and I’d know how

The world sees him.

If every boy were my son, I would raise him.

I would stand him up from thick, rich soil -- down there

He knows nothing of grace.

I would water him with coolness

And warm him with sunshine’s rays.

I would show him mountaintops and valley lows --

We’d hop the stars together.

And then, when earthbound freedom finds its flight,

When I’ve given food and love and every good thing,

I would send him on,

Away,

To love another woman.