inches

once you were so sweet and small
I could measure you in inches
your head fit in my hand
and you used to love my kisses

16 now and near full grown
and not nearly so sweet
I know you think you know it all
but some things you cannot cheat

they say a man will not attain
full height till twenty-five
so though you're over six feet now
you've an inch yet to arrive

I feel your full resentment
of my lessons and my rules
if you'd only listen then you'd know
I'm trying to give you tools

but stubborn and so headstrong
you truly are my son
and deep inside determined
to not credit anyone

I see the path before you
and directions I try to send
you're forging forward blinded
straight for that dead end

but you don't like my warning
so you must persist
with attitude foul-mouthed and rude
and points made with your fists

I've closed the door and locked it
my words you will not hear
I've beat my head against your wall
and reasoned with my fears

you're only sixteen and I know
you think you know it all
but sadly son you're gonna learn
what it means to take a fall

So I will stand here waiting
while you do it all your way
I know that you'll be back to seek
what wisdom I can convey

I know you're nearly full a man
please remember though
before you reach maturity
you've another inch to grow