Ode to a parent

Life can be so cruel
But love provides a fuel
The childhood we once knew
Provides a potent brew
Of wonder and despair
– An intertwining pair

But standing now we ponder
The world and all its wonder
The hopes, and yes, the fears
All accounted for in years
The blessings we have known
Seeing we were not alone
Those gone before, those here
Life’s voices in our ear
The passion we have felt
The prayers as we have knelt

Behind this all is love
That comes from high above
In family and friends
No need to make amends
For nothing we have done
Is ever only one
We toil and strive away
Throughout life’s long, long day
Successes we have had
As well as things gone bad
But beyond this all we know
No matter where we go
That our spirits they can rest
For we have passed the test
For whatever wrongs we know
We have given life a go
Our best endeavours shine
Throughout the long, long climb
Until we reach the peak
At which no one will speak speak
– Save us with all our heart
We did our best right from the start
But this, it shall be known
How high that we have grown

So smile and be at peace
Despite the extended leash
Life’s cares can fade away
As with each passing day
You feel the love of all
Who you have made stand tall.