Custom Search

Growing Up Poem

A father relishes his time with his child knowing he'll be grown up and gone only too quickly.

Can I Carry You?

© Brad Anderson
I guess that I can hold you
one more time before you grow.
And tell you that I love you
so that you will always know.
Please let me tie your shoe again.
One day you'll tie your own.
And when you think back to this time
I hope it's love I've shown.
Can I help you put your coat on?
Can I please cut up your meat?
Can I pull you in the wagon?
Can I pick you out a treat?
One day you might just care for me,
so let me care for you.
I want to be a part
of every little thing you do.
Tonight could I please wash your hair?
Can I put toys in the bath?
Can I help you count your small ten toes
before I teach you math?
Before you join a baseball team
can I pitch you one more ball?
And one more time can I stand near
to make sure you don't fall?
Let's take another space-ship ride
Up to the Planet Zoor.
Before our Cardboard Rocket
doesn't fit us anymore.
Please let me help you up the hill.
while you're still too small to climb.
And let me read you stories
while you're young and have the time.
I know the day will come
when you will do these things alone.
Will you recall the shoulder rides
and all the balls we've thrown?
I want you to grow stronger
than your Dad could ever be.
And when you find success
there will be no soul more proud than me.
So will you let me carry you?
One day you'll walk alone.
I cannot bear to miss one day
from now until you've grown.

Advertisements

Votes: 726

Rating: 4.72

Rate The Poem
1 star rating: Poor 2 star rating: Average 3 star rating: Good 4 star rating: Very Good 5 star rating: Excellent

Published: Feb 2006

Share a Story (12)

Poem of the Day  Poem of the Week
Previous Poem
<< My Dad 		Next Poem
Wings To Fly >>
Read More Growing Up Poems

Has this poem touched you?
Share Your Story
Select a Tab

  • This is a beautiful poem. I honestly love it and feel every word you are saying. This poem put a special feeling in my heart and I thank you for that.
    I love your Poem!

    kris Submitted Mar 2009
    Share ›

  • Awesome poem - so touching. My children have grown and are moving on. I've been trying to cope with the 'empty nest syndrome', but it is difficult. I spent a lot of time with my children, but then again, there were many times I put housework/chores or something else before them. By the time my work was done, they were ready for bed. The housework is still here, but they are not. Hold that child, not just one more time, but as many times as you can.

    J Submitted Aug 2009
    Share ›

  • What a beautiful poem, it made me cry.
    Thank you

    Beau Submitted Jun 2010
    Share ›

  • this is really a touching poem.........my father has never really spend time, not much anyway, with me...........he usually sends us a lot of money to satisfy all our needs and more..........thanks for this mind enriching poem.......

    Elna, India Submitted Jul 2010
    Share ›

  • Yes! Really very very touching poem. Keep Writing more! Bless your wisdom!

    Shiny Submitted Sep 2010
    Share ›

  • oh my gosh I am crying. this really touched me. thanks you :)

    Bridget, USA Submitted Sep 2010
    Share ›

  • Sometimes things touch you and this is one of them. I have read this poem a dozen times and each time I cry.
    I have 2 young boys 4 and 8. As soon as I get home from work I am going to hug them and carry them and lavish them with attention. It won't be much different from any other night for them but for me it will be special. I know they cannot stay with me forever, sometimes I wish they could.

    Chris, Chandler Submitted Nov 2010
    Share ›

  • Thanks for sharing such a beautiful and touching poem. I am a seventy plus proud grandmom with one grand child who will be three years old in about two months. I shall proudly share your poem with my husband and son for enjoyment, thoughts, inspiration and appreciation.

    Atlanta Ga Submitted Feb 2011
    Share ›

  • Beautiful poem, it reminded me of my childhood, my face brightness every time I think about how I was taken care of. To all parents: the little things you for your kids will be the source of their happiness someday.

    Bontshetse,Botswana Submitted May 2011
    Share ›

  • This is a great poem and it made me want to go cuddle with all of my grandchildren who think they are now too old to be cuddled .

    Marilyn Submitted May 2011
    Share ›

  • Really love it! I could write for hours and days about why it touches me so -- but I will instead take your advice, and go hug my kids! Thank you.

    George Cathey Submitted 1/4/2013
    Share ›

  • I love this poem to bits! I'm using it for my English project at school, so the whole of my class can know the poem and spread it. The whole world should know this poem. It will stay in my heart forever. Thank you so much!
    Jane
    XXXXXX

    Jane Submitted 3/26/2013
    Share ›

Share Your Story

Name, Location: Required
Email   Required (Not published)
Facebook Profile: Optional
Story:

Check Your spelling!
No Emails
No poems
Help us stop spam by answering this simple math question
Two + Eight = Required
  All stories are moderated before they are published.
Email me when my story is published
Email me whenever new stories are published on this poem
Why are YOU reading poetry?
Home » Family Poems » Growing Up Poems » Can I Carry You?
Custom Search
Top of page   
Feedback |  Contact Us |  FAQ |  Forums |  About Us |  Privacy Policy |  Advertise