Marilyn Saunders - Roots and Wiings

You weren't born with instructions, a manual or a guide
We did what we thought best for you with love from deep inside
We soothed your ills and patched 'skinned-up'knees
We pushed you on the swings
We taught you how to ride a bike and wonder at butterfly wings.

We gave you ROOTS like a tree; strong and deep if nourished
We gave you WINGS that you might soar toward your goals and flourish
Along life's road if you hit a bump-we would feel the pain
Then our hearts would swell with pride each time there was a gain.

We gave you dolls and trains and kites
You had trips and cars and books
But you'd never find our special gifts
No matter how hard you looked

The gifts we gave were wrapped with love
They bore no ribbons or string
But when all other gifts have faded and gone
You will still have Roots and Wings

Marilyn Saunders

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/roots-and-wiings/