PRODIGAL

Prodigal The boy stretched and yawned as he opened his eyes. Each breaking of day he had come to despise. Every hour he was plowing or planting the seed; No hope for tomorrow; No chance to succeed. Success was to him a life full of fun, Enjoying one's self from the rising of sun, Being free from the burdens of days on the farm. Pleasure he needed, so what was the harm? “There's much more to life than just working the land. I'm becoming my father; Just look at my hands. They're calloused and rough, and how wrinkled my face From the sun bearing down; I look a disgrace.” “And I'm such a young man, all the world to explore. So monotonous my days! There has to be more! I'll speak with my father whose wealth is well known. For my inheritance I'll ask, for I'm practically grown.” “This opulent house with its gardens and pools Is enough for my father, and I hate his rules: 'You must rise, son, at six; Your jobs do not shirk. Eat a good breakfast, and come out to work'.” “He isn't unkind; He just fails to perceive That a young man like I has a reason to leave. So today I will ask him to give me my share; Not too much to ask, for the money is there.” “I can be on my own and take care of my wealth, For I'm smart and I'm strong and in excellent health. I'll say I'll return in a few weeks or so. I'm sure I'll stay longer, but he need not know.” “As we sat down for breakfast, my father and I, My plans were laid out when my brother arrived. He is older than I; At my plans he seemed dazed. He scorned me and laughed at me, said I was crazed:” “Don't you know you must work when the money runs low? Your skills are but few; Surely that you must know. Who then will hire you? Are you in your right mind? If you stay very long, only farm work you'll find.” “I ignored his approach; He would not make me mad. This arrangement is made between me and my dad. I begged and I pleaded; At one point I cried. My father gave in; His hopes for me denied:” “You can leave in the morning. I'll help you prepare. I'll give you three camels, your treasures to bear.” He turned his face from me, tears starting to flow. His sad heart was breaking, but I didn't know. “Here are gifts for yourself and gifts you can sell. I will pray for you, son, that all will go well. May you find what you think you can never find here, For this is a home of love without fear.” “Still my father was choosing rich gifts from his shelf; No thought for himself, nor for losing his wealth. We loaded the camels with all they could hold - Ornaments of silver, rich jasper, fine gold.” “Then he took from a drawer a bag full of cash, pressed it into my hand saying, 'Son, don't be rash. I'm letting you go; I know you're discontent, And all that you've told me has made me relent.' ” “But please hear me, son. There's a home for you here. You are always my son; I will always be near. Whatever the outcome, wherever you roam, I'm forever your father, this always your home.” The very next morning before sun would rise, The young man awoke with stars in his eyes. “I'm a growing man now; I have needs to fulfill. I am free now at last, not one moment to kill.” When he said his goodbyes, brother couldn't be found; Just the son and his father outside on the ground Where the camels were laden; Not much more to say; A hug and a kiss, the boy on his way. He didn't look back. His heart was ablaze; The father still loving the son he had raised. No waves from his son as he rode out of sight. Could his father now make it, the long days and nights?