These Young Men

It hasn't been easy being a father to these young men
I suppose it's never easy being a father
But these young men
These young men have worn me out;
Not because of anything they've done,
No,
They're fine young men,
Young men I can be proud of,
Gentle, kind men,
Men who know justice and virtue and the grace of empathy,
No, these are young men who are a worthy addition to the world

It was worry that wore me out,
Responsibility,
Entrusted with treasure,
I was tasked to deliver these young men safely to the world
And all along I worried,
I worried that I would lose this precious gift,
That I would fail in this one great destiny of my life

But I haven't

They're very nearly ready now
I am required less and less

These young men
They are my life
And I am happy to be judged by them and for them