Thirteen years is a lot of years of knowing
someone, and learning to love them at each step of growing up. It's my grandson Carter's thirteenth birthday today!
I’ve written quite a few poems about him
through the years, what I call “goodbye” poems because each one is a goodbye to
who he was before, no longer a toddler, no longer filling the room with toys,
no longer a lap sitter. Yet there are important parts that have remained. He is someone who’s a joy to be with, excited
to try new things, helpful, and kind. If you could see him with his two young
cousins, you know that he’s a young boy who will grow into a wonderful young
man. Here are thirteen ways of looking
at Carter and one more poem.For Carter’s Thirteenth Birthday