Life repeats itself again.
Another being, another age, another spirit.
With Oliver goes all our desires and hopes
for a future full of promise, without limit.
Just now he seems but a pinpoint of life,
a vulnerable bundle, a mere scrap of a lad,
depending for everything, for all his needs
upon the devotion of his Mum and Dad.
But he will grow and we shall be watchful
for the first signs, the evidence
of that quality that marks him from our fellow species;
an innate sense of independence.
We shall have dreams for his life ahead;
choose targets for his hopes.
We shall fear for his crises
and worry lest he copes
unsuccessfully with life’s challenges,
with the many trials and tribulations,
with the need to make his own way
and of course with his relations!
God speed Oliver, develop and mature yourself,
but dont lose the happiness of childhood;
preserve your natural innocence as honesty,
your guide to lead the life you should.
For the occasion of Oliver Tindale Shadforth’s birth, 1st August, 1996.