When your children are infants
The bond is very tight,
They're on your mind each moment
Of every day and night.
You wonder how you'll manage
When they are not there,
When they no longer need - or want
Advice - concern and care.
The apron strings must be undone
And I think it is a good rule
To give the knots their very first nudge
Before your child starts school.
At first progress is very slow
So many knots must be undone
By the time your child is eighteen
You should be down to one.
You must loose the final knot
To prepare them for flight
But they must part the final strands
When they feel the time is right.
The apron strings are parted now,
But I always will maintain
No matter how long the knots have been free
The creases will always remain.
1988
To J and C (with love)
