BUTTERNUT SQUASHES AND CHILDREN

Many months ago
     the seeds were sown - 
          watered and nurtured
And then the seedlings
     were set into the 
          prepared ground.

The frame was built
     the growing plants trained - 
          then we waited and watched.

We had great expectations!

But nature had the last word
     and we waited in vain.

The seasons changed and
     although we still had
          great expectations
we were disappointed.

Could we have done more?
     Planted them earlier?
          Prepared the ground better?
               Tended them more lovingly?

Who knows now 
     what these 
          might have been?

Do we, as parents, feel like this
     about our children?
Could we have done more
     in their early years?
Spent more time with them?
     Nurtured them more?
Chatted to them on their terms
     when they were teenagers - 
          without giving them advice
               or our opinion?
We often told our sons
     "We did the best we could
          with the raw material
               we were given.....
                    the rest is up to you.
It's your life!"

Thankfully, our sons 
     have turned out well
          and we are not disappointed
We obviously got that right!

As for the Butternut Squashes
     we will try again next year -
          so watch this space!

© Maureen Iles