The arc on the old swing is short
and the set rocks uneasily
from so many seasons
in the snow and rain.
He has known it
for all of his five years,
but now runs to it less often,
lingers not as long.
Just the other day
he asked me for a push,
one he doesn’t need anymore —
a big one, he said,
and laughed
as he rose and fell
straining back,
reaching upward.
The blue sky was clear
and closer than it used to be.
—
Completing the set with companion pieces Ten and Almost Eight.
bussokuseki 
Very well done. My daughter has just learned how to swing on her own and I can see the end of her interest in a swing set that will soon be too small for her.
Thank you so much for stopping by to read – it is amazing how quickly these things change as a father… Be well~
Beautiful
Thank you, Bert – that means a great deal. Blessings~
We watch them grow, we want them to…and when they are – we are amazed. m.
Beautiful verses, wonderful images. Thank you for this sharing.
Beautiful boy…
Special Dad.
Your poems have inspired me to try some of my own, too! Thanks!
I am so glad – I will look forward to reading them! Be well~
a true zenith experience
Ha!
A lovely trilogy of poems…a testimony to parental love. Enjoy the day… 🙂
And you as well. How wonderful to cross paths again… Be well~
This is beautiful.
Thank you so much for reading and for taking the time to share your thoughts. Be well this day~
“Closer than it used to be.” Magical 🙂
It feels that way sometimes.
Thank you for reading and taking the time to share your thoughts – it is a blessing. Be well~