More than a fleshly immortality <br /> Is mine. Though I myself return again <br /> To dust, my qualities of heart and brain, <br />Of soul and spirit, shall not cease to be. <br />I view them growing, day by day, in thee, <br /> My first-begotten son; I trace them plain <br /> In you, my daughters; and I count it gain <br />Myself renewed and multiplied to see. <br /> <br />But sadness mingles with my selfish joy, <br /> At thought of what you may be called to bear. <br />Oh, passionate maid! Oh, glad, impulsive boy! <br /> Your father's sad experience you must share -- <br />Self-torture, the unfeeling world's annoy, <br /> Gross pleasure, fierce exultance, grim despair!<br /><br />John Liddell Kelly<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/heredity-3/