Relay

Accountable for you

these eight fleeting years,

I pass the baton

to you, Son, reluctant

to relinquish that charge,

cherished though cumbersome

and weighing heavily.

No longer dependent

on parents alone,

you seek other counsel—

a still, small voice,

inner promptings,

revelation by the Holy Ghost,

celestial courier.

My responsibility as both

participant and spectator

admits me to this race.

I will embrace you at the finish

as I did at the start.

Run swiftly; endure to victory

and my awaiting arms.