To My Children's Children

I care about a future that's not shackled to the past

Where birds still sing for Maya, and butterflies still dance

Settle on the tender flowers that Frankie helped to grow

Under River's watchful eyes ever ready for the show

Where Sonny has a thousand reasons, every day to smile

He's young, and life and living's beginning to beguile

Where innocence is living every moment like the first

Breathing in the wonder till you feel your heart's about to burst

I'm longing for a here and now' where there's a place for everyone

Where the self-important leave the stage, and the wiser ones walk on

Where the haters and the shouters simply stop and fade away

And the quieter voices, centre stage, at last seem here to stay

I want my children's children to inhale this kind of air

Where we give and we receive, but the calculation's fair

The freedom to explore the paths that lead to joy filled lives

But those who never had the choice are never pushed aside

Maya would you guide me round your mystery Neverland

Where the drawers are secret worlds - would you share the master plan?

So you're the ruling princess with a slightly Texan drawl

River right behind you - puzzled, but enthralled

Frankie's grown her hair so long, Rapunzel wears a frown

She's jealous of your curls, all flowing loose and golden brown

Your beauty causes heads to turn, fix you with a stare

But we will keep you safe, secure in who you really are

And Sonny, marching onwards, up and down, round and round

Unstoppable determined, you'll always holds your ground

River? Well, you wear your gentle heart upon your sleeve

So we look at your expressions and we know just what you mean

You'll each find independence in body, mind and soul

Face doubts and troubles, sorrows, carry burdens quite alone

But remember to treat triumphs and disasters just the same

For they are both imposters, by another name

Little ones don't be fearful when it seems you've lost your way

When the path ahead is far from clear and things are not ok

There'll be questions where the answers will never satisfy

The spirit free to wander, soar far away up high

Frankie, Sonny - one day you'll be under cedar trees

In your mother's place of birth, in the cool of a summer breeze

And in the shade she'll shower you with memories and love

Of a homeland with a story we know so little of

You are, my loves, like oysters, restless in your shells

One day to reveal the most priceless of all pearls

Stay safe, stay kind, forgiving, generous and wise

Live out, live in the joy and goodness dwelling deep inside