Excitement Inspired In His/Her Time.
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Dedication: To all parents! Of daughters and sons!
While digging through some older and forgotten papers, of mine, I came across a poem I must have written in 1998. The year when my son went away to college. 9 years before writing and posting "Our Grampa Ed" which should be seen as the tandem piece to this.
For weeks, when alone and at home, I would actually cry about losing him to his newfound adulthood. Though I was most happy for and proud of him. Recognizing the arrival of a new and future reduction in the frequency of our time/s together made me sad. Changing the nature and definition of our father/son relationship as well. Forever more.
The photograph is of my son and grand-son(born: 2007).
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Submitted: May 27, 2008
Reads: 536
Comments: 89
Likes: 40
Excitement Inspired In His/Her Time
By
E. J. T. Bradley
*
Let the Spirit that guides
Take you to where,
You'll be with others
For whom you care.
*
Hope all,whom you meet, are
Not from a zoo
And all of them will
Care for you too.
*
Your college success!
Triumph! For you.
Hope it's not "Good-bye!"
Forever too!
*
Now! What will you do?
Where will you go?
Just once in a while,
Please let us know!
*
When places afar can't
Make your soul burn.
Many! Right here!
'Wait your return.
*
Your future success.
Who can say "When"?
"Long time, No see"
"N'est tres bien!"
*
By now, you must think:
"What a strange poem!"
From one far away.
But no longer know'm.
*
Copyright (C) Edward J. Bradley 1998
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Comments:
A very touching and loving poem. Your never quit loving your kids. As my daughter is my joy......
Loved this poem, so caring, so sweet.
Posted: May 27, 2008
I loved the rhyming. It was such a thoughtful loving poem and I enjoyed it very much.
Posted: May 28, 2008
Nice poem...excitement..;)
Posted: May 28, 2008
Awww..very cute! I love message.
Posted: May 28, 2008
awe, such a bittersweet poem. I've only been on the other end but I can certainly understand missing your loved ones and being proud to know them at the same time! ~Em
Posted: May 28, 2008
My father is a man of few words. I'd say that this must how he's been feeling since my brother and I left home. But, He's someone I'll ALWAYS remember.
Ed, this poem made me a bit emotional. Thanks for sharing it. :-)
Posted: May 28, 2008
A good poem, but they don't always have to rhyme.
Posted: May 28, 2008
Your son is very lucky to have a father like you, I lost mines when I was 16 (I'm 36 now) if I ever have children maybe I can do something like this for them.
Good job.
Posted: May 28, 2008
Wonderful Ed. As a parent of four sons, one left to "fly the coop" I can so relate. I shed a tear when my oldest left to go to Uni. (then again when my youngest went to school) I am enjoying what will possibly be my "baby's" final year at home with us.
Posted: May 28, 2008
A wonderful piece....though I'm not a parent myself...I felt a connection with the emotion in this. Lovely.
Posted: May 29, 2008
The piece seems so immediate, it must have been strange to rediscover it again after so many years. There's no way you could write such an honest poem based on a 9 year old memory. Well done!
Posted: May 29, 2008
Great piece Ed!
Posted: May 30, 2008
ED ^_^ Thanks so much for sharing this with us.
i'ts so good to see post again. this is so heart warming, and sincere. I see you have pulled on some heart strings up there with the readers too ^_^
Thanks too for sharing the picture. you must be so proud!
~katie
Posted: May 30, 2008
Engaging.
Posted: May 31, 2008
Thank You Ed, for this beautiful poem summarising the agony and loneliness of parents whose kids fly away from nest to carve their own niche....we sure r proud as parents BUT how much we miss them , only our lonely heart, mind and soul knows....
i am sure one day, i will be missing all these moments spent with my son and i am so glad i chose to be at-home with him till he joins school nd not pursue my career. I am happy that i am doing what is expected from me as a 'mother' from GOD.
Tears started rolling down my eyes too...i could sense ur pain...and could related to it........
u r a sweetheart and we all love you for these sincere and heartfelt poems
MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH ALL HAPPINESS.....AMEEN !
Posted: May 31, 2008
Very sweet poem. I cried the other day when my youngest had her Kindergarten Graduation.... My older is going to the 4th grade next year. Time has passed us by already, I cannot imagine them getting older and 'flying the coop'. This was a wonderful read.
MA
Posted: Jun 1, 2008
Hello, Mr. Bradley. I love this poem. It's a true poem, and I empathized with you for the quite force of its love and hopes . Its so great to see the son in question with his own son, so great to kn ow it all turned out well in the end.
Posted: Jun 1, 2008
I don't have any children of my own, but I remember distinctly how my relationship with my father changed when I moved away to college for the first time. It's a great poem though and feels very personal. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Posted: Jun 1, 2008
i really enjoyed reading it. many parts had me smiling. you work wonders with your rhyme.
Posted: Jun 2, 2008
i absolutly love this poem as a parent myself i can so relate to it there is no love greater that the love of a parent for their child/children my oldest is only 17 and though i should still have my "mommy" time with her before she flys the coop she chose to take that leap a little sooner as she had a baby 2 months after turning 17 so now shes off living her new life with her husband to be and her new baby i miss her being home with me on a daily basis and i now dread the day my 15 year old leaves home as well as she is my "baby" however i do know they have to make their own way as i will not always be there to protect them so as they go i send them out with all my love and let them know that i am always here if ever they should need me :)
Posted: Jun 4, 2008
^^Straight from heart as it shows,well good one from you.I enjoyed and felt when i read it.Hope more brilliant in future from you.
I give 65 points out of 100 to you for it,just joke.Well again Congrats to share it with us.
^^VICKY.punne4e
Posted: Jun 6, 2008
I'm not a parent, so I'm not sure if there is something hidden in this for parents that I don't understand [since you said it was ideal for parents to read this in your description]
but I did find this a good read.
This was the other one you told me to read, I beleive.
It's touching, and actually makes me think of [for whatever reasons] those who I have lost that I wish I could get to know and praise more than I did.
Like a grandfather I had, who also passed away.
I have so many fond memories, but being as young as I was I never got to tell him all the great things I knew/thought of him.
Anywho, back to the poem: I like your style. This one was also well written of course, and had a great sense of rhyming and rythm like the previous one I read. I think rhymes- oh! and let's not forget diction- are your forte[s?]. You certainly have a way with words and vocabulary.
Thanks for the great poem!
-Melanie
Posted: Jun 10, 2008
p.s.
I hope things are well with you and your son
:]
Posted: Jun 10, 2008
You are a treasure to your son and family.
Posted: Jun 14, 2008
Hi I am the storyteller. i am a fan of yours. Can you please check the prologue to my novel, 'diaries of an illegal immigrant. it's posted on 14/06/08 under non fiction.
cheers
Posted: Jun 16, 2008
this was a very good poem and touching i loved it
Posted: Jun 17, 2008
This is the first piece of yours i have read in ages Ed. It is a beautiful insight into your heart at that moment in your life....but reading your replies to the comments which have been made is far more insightful. You have a beautiful spirit and I am glad that there are men such as you in the world!
Posted: Jun 17, 2008
Well, I dont yet have any children who are going to college, but someday, when I do have kids, I imagine it will be very hard to let them go.
Posted: Jun 18, 2008
Such a lovely fantastic poem, I love your poetry! If you have time please check out some of mine!
~Maple Bowen
Posted: Jun 19, 2008
Good day Mr Bradley
I am not a parent myself, but, I often wonder what it must feel like to live with such a feeling of "emptiness". I think about what my parents had to go through when we (3) children whent to a hostel 300km away from home at the ages of 14 (my twin and I) and then 17. I loved reading this poem, and would like to read it to my mother as a way to tell her I understand a little bit more of her emotion at that time in her life.
Thanks for sharing this Ed.
Posted: Jun 20, 2008
Nicely put and a familiar experience!
Posted: Jun 30, 2008
As a parent I could identify with your poem. Nicely written. Sometimes it's good to go through old papers and dust if off and it's new again. Keep writing.
Posted: Jul 1, 2008
I love how you used dialogue ...the simplicity was amazing but the message was really big :)
Posted: Jul 7, 2008
What a lovely poem about parenthood. I think it sort of romanticizes the feelings that all parents have. It puts into words the hopes people have for their children. You did us readers a great favor by posting this! I liked it!
Posted: Jul 13, 2008
Great composition. I liked it.
Posted: Jul 15, 2008
i like it! c",)
Posted: Jul 15, 2008
Nicely put, it flowed well, A great read! :)
Posted: Jul 16, 2008
Nice poem, a lot of love put in it... I like it.
Posted: Jul 18, 2008
like this poem. great job on it
Posted: Jul 19, 2008
This is something new for me to read from anyone. More of the new generation should read it. I think it is very inspiring and I agree with air. I may not hae ones of my own yet, but I know I would want them to succeed yet also not forget Those who brought them to that point. Made me look how my life went growing up. Unfortunately things didn't turn out all that great but time is still to be had. I think we need to remind the younger generation what it took to get to where they are and to show them there is more than one road to go down in life. The choice is thiers and if they should slip be there to help them back.
Love the flow. my first time reading one of your and I do like it. I shall definately read more.
Peace Love and Understanding
Matt
Posted: Jul 22, 2008
Thanks for this poem. I miss my dear Uncle. He went to America 8 years ago & returned for just 2 months. And now he has again flown back to USA. I miss him too much and I have missed so much of quality time with him.
Posted: Jul 23, 2008
Lovely!!! It simply took my breath away... and i heard my father's voice in it as i am leaving my home soon. I know he will cry too...
Thank you so much posting this heart-touching poem.
Posted: Jul 27, 2008
ah, french. I am studying french right now and it's good to see it here!!
Thank you for inviting me here!
Posted: Jul 30, 2008
Wow, touching poetry, and it shows that no-one ever forgets a child do they? And it is never good-bye forever is it?
If you have time please look at some of mine and comment, ty.
Posted: Jul 30, 2008
I liked this.
Love with underlining humor.
A very pleasant read.
Posted: Jul 30, 2008
Very touching. Very good too! Though I can't relate to everything in this poem since I am 16 years old with no children, I enjoyed it so much. Can't wait to read more~
Posted: Aug 8, 2008
Very Sweet, and touching poem. I have a two year old and right now i can't get a moment peace without her but I know the day will come when i long for more time with her.
I enjoyed this greatly.
Posted: Aug 13, 2008
I often think about when I mature into pure adulthood and have children how challenging it would be to finally have to let them go. I could never picture how life would be with my future wife after raising children for about 20 years. It is a dramatic change. lol my parents still can't let me go, and I'm 21!
Posted: Aug 16, 2008
Insightful, moving, and just well done, Ed.
Posted: Aug 22, 2008
It's a thing of being a carrying and wonderful father and i hope your very wish towards your son is to do greater than you had. I'm only 20 but my wish for a child of my seed is to be safe and happy not in the eye of the world but spiritual in Christ, Ed i don't have much words but hey! you're quite a dear father, never let go it's the best.
Posted: Aug 23, 2008
I like it alot it's very well written it has a nice flow to it
Posted: Aug 24, 2008
Wow..this really great.. a very wonderful and touching song...this poem inspires me!..this lovely..well written!
Posted: Aug 29, 2008
This poem is so sincere and raw. It's lovely and I can picture it in a storybook format, much like a Dr. Suess book. It reminds me of Oh the Places You'll Go.
Posted: Sep 14, 2008
Thank you for this. It's exactly how I felt when my daughter left home. I understand.
Posted: Sep 15, 2008
Hi there... Lovely read. Aren't children just the best... I actualy dread the day that my precious princess will be off to college and start her independant life without mommy. This was really sweet and I enjoyed it... Would love to hear your comments on my latest poem "Admitting defeat"
Posted: Sep 15, 2008
Hi Ed
I related to this poem, myself having the kids. It was sweet, and heart warming.I have the two kids at home now and not looking forward to when they leave and go their own way I think I be saying the same to them, lol :)
Posted: Sep 15, 2008
hey.
its amazing how much care and love can be packed into so few lines. It gave me things to think about, particularly the honesty of you not knowing when will be the next time you'd be able to say a simple hello to them. I am too young myself to have kids, so i can only imagine what it must feel like. I like to think that is what my parents would say to me. I can only hope that they would feel the same compassion you have for your children. I enjoyed it very much. Thx for sharing this.
Posted: Sep 18, 2008
if only all parents would poem their kids off as they march the path of life
felt very touched; splendid piece
Posted: Sep 27, 2008
Nice.well written poetry. I enjoyed it.
I like christian poetry myself.
you have a way with words, very good.
Please read some of my work,
let me know what you think.God Bless.
Your friend angellynn.
Posted: Oct 1, 2008
I really like this. As my kids have grown up I have has these same thoughts, but you put them into words :)
Posted: Oct 4, 2008
Touching....and funny too!
Posted: Oct 7, 2008
Ed,
Nice poem, It really touched on both the selfless aspect of being a parent, and the needy side as well. It is hard to let go of what you love.
Tim
Posted: Oct 13, 2008
Lovely poem. Though I have only been on the going away end of this poem, i can only imagine the grief that one goes through when losing someone that they love so dearly. I loved the line N'est tres bien. I am a lover and frequent reader of the french language and all its beauty. Have a wonderfull day!
~Hannah
Posted: Oct 16, 2008
Ed, I hope you don't mind me calling you Ed, I could read a book full of these. Kind of reminds me of the style fo Shel Silverstein, though I am not sure why.
Thanks for the fan add. I am now truly a fan of yours.
You promised to read some of my works, and though I am not one to hold you to it, I must warn you, our writing styles quite differ...
Posted: Oct 19, 2008
Beautiful poem. I'm just about to graduate college, so it really frames what my parents must be feeling. Few words but a lot of meaning in them, the perfect combination. Nicely done.
Posted: Oct 21, 2008
Edward J Bradly Sr,
This is a beautiful peom. My children are still young but i know that one day they will grow up and move on, I cant even imagine the way that i'll feel..
Abby Parish
Posted: Oct 23, 2008
Thats such a sweet poem. I don't think i could write any good poetry, will stick to short stories i think lol.
Posted: Oct 24, 2008
that was interasting!? but i liked it! it was well rightin! i was also nice to read!
good reading,
Amanda
Posted: Oct 26, 2008
I have yet to experience the type of pain a parent feels when their child leaves home; I'm not sure how my parents are dealing with it now that I'm in college, though I'm sure it's difficult.
I liked this; it was very touching.
Posted: Oct 26, 2008
I like that, the way you mince your words fits nicely.
You have a writing style not seen in a lot of poems today. Clear message, wonderful write.
Posted: Nov 5, 2008
great poem
Posted: Nov 6, 2008
A Lovely poem to read, keep it coming.
Posted: Nov 8, 2008
Nice to meet you. Glad you are one of my fans as well. I really liked this. My son is only 12 years old and the lump in my throat and ache in my heart is unbearable sometimes. I never knew how hard it would be to watch your child grow and watch the ties that bind seem to become thinner with each passing day. Letting go is the hardest. Very well done!
Posted: Nov 15, 2008
i'm not at a place in life where i want kids but you know, your poem is very sweet and so kindly explains the love of a parent for their child. thanks for sharing. write on!
Posted: Nov 15, 2008
Ahh this poems so sweet. I hope if i move away that people won't miss me loads lol. The shortness and rhyme that you use make it to the point like saying a tragic goodbye, i love it, thank you. :)
Posted: Nov 18, 2008
a beautiful poem I love it
thank you
jo x
Posted: Nov 20, 2008
I am not a father and, despite all the stuff and joys I hear, I hope never to be, but the love you describe toward those you care for is deeply convincing, most poems of this genre bore me after five words and then I roll over and try to punch the words out of my mind... lets just say your work was a spark of genius, I pinched myself just to make sure I wasn't dreaming, and then to be on the safe side I drank an instant coffee and read it immediately after, pure stroke of genius through and through my friend.
Posted: Nov 27, 2008
I love this poem, it was beautifully written
Posted: Nov 28, 2008
This poem flows & present deep life experiences.It is a wonderful poem.Keep it up.Sala kahle= good by (in Zulu)
Posted: Dec 4, 2008
alexandablackman
(not registered user)
You have a great way with words and I am a man who has a deep appreciation for such loving words put together in poem.
Great Job my friend
Posted: Dec 11, 2008
Awesome poem .... You have put into words what so many of us are thinking and are too scared to say. My eldest just started his 1st job and i already feel that he has left ... it seems nowadays i have to book an appointment to see him. thanks for sharing this. S
Posted: Dec 18, 2008
Wonderful,beautiful poem!
Posted: Dec 18, 2008
Very heart felt, sometimes you just have to remind a loved one that they are loved.
Thank you for the good read. ^^
I have released my second chapter if you are interested. Thank you again. ^^
Posted: Dec 18, 2008
Hi Ed - I know you published this months ago but I just had to comment. It's beautifully written, and reminded me of Cecil Day Lewis's poem which you may have seen before - the greatest poem I've encountered about releasing our children:
"WALKING AWAY
It is eighteen years ago, almost to the day –
A sunny day with leaves just turning,
The touch-lines new-ruled – since I watched you play
Your first game of football, then, like a satellite
Wrenched from its orbit, go drifting away
Behind a scatter of boys. I can see
You walking away from me towards the school
With the pathos of a half-fledged thing set free
Into a wilderness, the gait of one
Who finds no path where the path should be.
That hesitant figure, eddying away
Like a winged seed loosened from its parent stem,
Has something I never quite grasp to convey
About nature’s give-and-take – the small, the scorching
Ordeals which fire one’s irresolute clay.
I have had worse partings, but none that so
Gnaws at my mind still. Perhaps it is roughly
Saying what God alone could perfectly show –
How selfhood begins with a walking away,
And love is proved in the letting go"
Regards Steve
Posted: Dec 30, 2008
OMG! That was really good! I hope you read my new chapter! And thanks for becoming my first fan!
Posted: Dec 31, 2008
Just once in a while,
Please let us know!
meaning, let us know your whereabouts, your plans. so we can assist where possible and neccessary.
like usage of metaphor in these poetic words.
Posted: Jan 2, 2009
I liked this poem, I don’t have any children myself but since i work as a teacher I know very well the fears and hopes parents have for what the future brings for their young ones and will they be allowed to have a part in it? This poem sums it up very well, you are most talented!
Posted: Jan 6, 2009
As a daughter and a mother I fully comprehend the fears of letting go, the excitement of letting go and the downfalls of not letting go.
Being so engrossed in our own lives we fail to keep in touch with loved ones.
Without realizing the influence we have on one another we only learn that when the bridge is crossed.
Posted: Jan 8, 2009
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