I Hope

I hope you understand

What fear is before you have to feel it

I hope my neurosis don't rub off on you

I hope you always have enough to eat

I hope you're never bullied

And I hope you never bully others

I hope you find love

I hope you don't die before your time

I hope you don't blame yourself

For things that are not your fault

I hope you're always playing your tape

And I hope you'll visit me when I'm old

I hope you are true to yourself

I hope that rejection doesn't stop you loving

I hope you never experience war

What are you come to teach me?

Well, would you want 'Philosophy'

Or 'The New Wayne Rooney'?

Will it be poetry that lights your eyes?

Mine are shining and my tears flow free

Oh my son, what have I done?

Brought perfection to this world

Of confusion heedlessly

Now you're the one feeding me

Because I never knew love like this

Endlessly reaching back through eternity

That I can clearly see in your face

When you smile at me and grab my finger

I hope you outlive your parents

I hope you never bury your children

I hope you outlive your parents

I hope you never bury your children

I don't mind whether you're a boy or a girl

I just want you to be healthy

I hope we enjoy every minute of you growing up

I hope you lead your world to victory