This year I shall be taking as my inspiration the 'Seven Ages of Man' speech from Shakespeare's As You Like It. You can find that here.
expectant, trepidatious, on we go:
a blooded, squalling babe, a bag of needs.
a home, a crib, a blanket, frequent feeds;
a family to shield us as we grow –
to clean our shit and teach us all they know;
applauding each new victory, and deeds
of escalating wonder; joy that breeds
a freedom bearing out Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
this isn’t my own recollection here –
but parenthood has given me mementoes,
and watching my own infants grow is fuel
to re-evaluate my early years:
a curious, stumbling journey which crescendoes
with smiles and hopeful airs – first day of school.
AWB
