Footprints
I looked behind, to see you, son,
As we walked along the shore,
And as you followed along the path I walked,
I smiled at what I saw.
For you stepped along, with your tiny feet,
And left your steps behind,
Walking in my footprints,
As our tracks were both combined.
I laughed at that, for as I looked,
I saw another boy in another time,
Who followed his father's footprints,
As you now followed mine.
And as I remembered and smiled there, son,
You gazed up with a frown,
Wanting to know what was the joke,
And why I'd turned around.
Don't worry, son, I told you then,
As we stood there by the bay.
When you are grown with your own child,
You'll know why I smile, one day.
As you walk together by the sea,
Maybe then you'll understand,
Why I smile to see you follow
My footprints in the sand.
I am old now, son, and close to death,
But you have grown bold and strong.
And though my voice will be heard no more,
You will carry on my song.
Now go down to the beach, my son,
And see there what you find.
Will you see where I followed my father's steps?
Or where you followed in mine?
They are gone now, son, but listen well,
And perhaps you'll understand,
That as long as we live to pass on our love,
There'll be footprints in the sand.