From parent and child <br />to friend to child to parent. <br />I've grown and reflecting back. <br />The circle is clear to me. <br /> <br />As a child looking up to them. <br />Then eye to eye <br />with the coming of age. <br />Still I looked up to them. <br /> <br />Many the role my parents played <br />guiding my course through life. <br />Their status with me <br />changing as older I grew. <br /> <br />Entering the world of adults <br />leaving adolescence behind. <br />Friends confidants <br />and equals they became. <br /> <br />When times my needs demanded <br />support direction advice. <br />Always they were there. <br />On my parents I could rely. <br /> <br />Taking my place as a parent. <br />Their wisdom a well I drew from. <br />Their strength <br />became a staff I leaned on. <br /> <br />One day to me <br />it was suddenly clear. <br />My path through life <br />followed the footprints they left. <br /> <br />When came the time <br />in their autumn years. <br />For safe haven they looked to me. <br />Their obligations I realized fulfilled. <br /> <br />It was for me now the time <br />to carry that load <br />they had gladly borne. <br />The circle had come full turn.<br /><br />Kurt Hearth<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-circle-2/
