INTEGRITY
William Wright Grimes III
My youngest son
I call him “Wilbur”
His great grandfather’s proper name
The very reason he insisted everyone call him “Buck” in his day
Lazy Sunday morning
Cold outside
Cozy fire crackles in the hearth
Absorbed in animation
His bare toes
Child’s size 13.5
Curled
Clinched in ferocious grip
As your hand would grab a tree branch in desperation
To break a lofty fall
This signals increased intensity
His young battle rages on
In his hand held video game
His posture suddenly relaxes
When triumph arrives
Innocent fascination
He in his play
I in him
Seven years of joy
The journey has only just begun
I am overwhelmed with pride
As I witness his maturing integrity
He changed the TV channel on his own prompting
Last night as “Adult Swim” began
While I was in the shower
His budding curiosity
Enthusiasm to learn forbidden secrets
That his older brother is privy to
Overcome
Conquered
By the “right thing to do”
I pray my extra long hug
And beaming praise of his actions
Reinforced his landmark decision
Thank you Father
My children
Blessings indeed
(Adult Swim © Cartoon Network 2004)
© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005
