When his little legs grew tired
of keeping up with me
I took him to our favorite spot
and held him on my knee.

Then when some bigger boys called out
I heard, and I was glad,
he didn't hesitate to say,
"I'm staying with my granddad."
My heart swelled up with love and pride
for this small boy of four;
I couldn't think of any way
that I could love him more.

"I want so much for you, my boy,"
I said to the small tyke,
"I want to teach you how to fish,
and ride a big boy's bike."
But his response caught me off-guard,
"when I am grown-up, too,"
he countered in his squeaky voice,
"I'm gonna be just like you."

I turned my head and faced away
just so he couldn't see;
am I the man he thinks I am,
that he should be like me?
Is my life one to emulate
in these, his learning years,
or if he follows in my steps
will he know only tears?

Oh, Lord, I have commitments here
I didn't know I had;
the only thing I know for sure
is my love for this wee lad,
so if he walks this road with me
please keep my footsteps true;
if you will guide, in days to come,
we'll both walk close to you.

Copyright^© Imogene Johnson