On Turning Ten by Billy Collins.

[Katisha]

I have just heard this poem on R4. Still blubbing...

Here

(And yes i have a boy soon to turn ten. Bawl)

Sits alone in Culture Vulture bar with only bored barman to talk to...

God I have a lump in my throat and my DS is only two.

And now that DD is four, this one is almost unbearable:

Beattie is Three

At the top of the stairs

I ask for her hand. O.K.

She gives it to me.

How her fist fits my palm,

A bunch of consolation.

We take our time

Down the steep carpetway

As I wish silently

That the stairs were endless.

-- Adrian Mitchell

I love that poem. I first read it last year when DS1 was just about to turn 10. I hadn't read much Billy Collins before that, but think he is great.

Thanks guys...Let me get a round in...