Son of Mine by Julie Swallow

Son of Mine by Julie Swallow

I beg of you son learn to read I beg of you son learn your sums I beg of you son learn some manners I beg of you son learn some more of what it is to be a gentleman I beg of you son of mine Obey your masters Honour the Lord Work at your lessons Work the hardest of all Then some more son My son, first born, more bonnie than a spring lamb Sweeter than a ripened blackberry Cheeks smoother than a pebble tumbled by the sea Skin softer than a single silky rose petal I loved the very bones of you before Hung dangling by your ankles you screamed More cherished than thick cream set atop the milk Gift given to us, your ma and da Blessed were we, until your da was lost at sea Your innocent da punished and perished Son, though I launder and sew I’m afeared you I can’t feed I need you to get an education Son of mine, I’m sending you to school Though our flesh be set apart You remain bound to my heart A very precious part of me