A father’s no shield for his child Seamus Heaney

 I worry more now that my son is out
On his own, earning a handsome salary
Back east.  How big the country is, and how
Many ways to navigate it.  He’s free
To cross his streets without a father’s help —
A father’s caution, practice reading the signs.
And though I must admit he’s doing well,
Anything could happen, and he’s still mine
To fret over.  Finally I understand
My own father’s silence.  Not uncaring,
As I once thought, it’s the brave wordlessness
Of love and wonder, and no little fear:
Two fathers, now watching from their distance,
Two sons who risk the futures they will miss.