“Parents find out, as I did, you don’t lose your children when they go off to college, the military, or their first job. You begin to lose them when they learn to drive and you usually lose them to a girlfriend or boyfriend”

A weekend day would find us
	On the ball field, he and I,
Just playing catch and laughing
	There, beneath a cloudless sky.
I jealously protected 
	Every moment of that time.
I didn't see her coming
	Though, and couldn't read her mind.

Her smile was white as ivory,
	A dimple on each end.
Her green eyes danced with mischief
	Every time she looked at him.
Two hearts in their bosoms
	Were impacted by this sight.
Mine dropped just a little,
	His gave in without a fight.

Now, summer days can find us 
	On the front steps, he and I.
We wait there for her Chevy;
	When it comes, I breathe a sigh,
And feel a hint of envy
	For this girl who drives away
On past the empty ball field
	Where my son and I would play.

She stole a bit of time which
	I had owned not long ago.
I've felt the thrill that they feel,
	And it's their turn, now, I know.
So, Gentle Thief, God Bless You.
	May your passion never dull.
But guard your new possession
	For, of thieves, the night is full!