for my godson

[joel]

Grow up, but grow slowly like trees
on time that encounters the Earth,
defined by each nuance of life.

Forever does not describe life.
Again is life better described;
to live once again becomes hope—

hope trusted because life cannot
encounter the Earth more than once.
Reserved is hope’s living again.

Grow up, but grow slowly like seas
of drop-by-dropped water on Earth’s
depressions till level abounds.

Slow Down enjoys more than Surpass;
On Top weighs down Level with stress.
New challenges challenge enough.

Grow up, but grow slowly like love
on faith that love’s boundaries are wide,
depths reach without end, joy goes on.

Surrender is not about love.
Pretender is not about love.
Investor is not about love.

Returns are not needed, but growth
is love’s one-directional goal:
to grow deeper slowly in love.