This sonnet was the first of my poems to be published Any of you with grown-up children will probably find the bitter-sweet sentiments familiar.

When You Were Born

When you were born bells peeled, klaxons sounded
and choirs sang hallelujahs in my head.
I cradled you and marvelled. Surrounded
by wonders I slept soundly in my bed.

Ten years on you made me laugh, told me things
I did not know. You had a knack that brightened
the space around you. I was like glass that sings
in sympathy. My heartstrings tightened.

At twenty, a head and shoulders higher,
you fizz with life and sometimes parachute
into my days. You have the skill to fire
people up but leave me trailing in pursuit.

Swollen with pride my heart leapt
at your coming, and when you went I wept.