I Give to You, My Son
by Linda Ellis copyright 2003

I held him as an infant;
I hugged him as a boy
and through the years he has become
my greatest pride and joy.

I love him more than I can say,
his life more precious than my own,
but gone are the whims and notions
of the little boy that I had known.

For the years have passed so quickly
since the time it all began
and now he stands before me
with the conviction of a man.

He wants to serve his country,
he states aloud with pride
as I try to sort out the emotions
that I’m feeling deep inside. ..

a union of the uncertain fear,
which I cannot control
and the allegiance which lies deep within
my patriotic soul.

I trust that my years of guidance
will serve as a strong foundation
as he performs the duties requested
from his beloved nation.

God please guide him as he travels
to the places our soldiers have bled
and walk with him through pathways
where those heroes' feet have tread.

Oh Sweet Land of Liberty,
humbly I give to you, my son
praying you’ll return him safely home
when his work for you is done.