Talk of the Heart — Adolescence

My eyes turn to follow you—brisk, joyful steps, and a proud straightening before the mirror, with that tall figure—

Glory to Him who fashioned you:
the truest image of your father!
You smooth with your hand the rebellious locks of hair,
or undo the bright necktie—
the first tie your fingers have ever knotted!..
Heavens! how you fuss over it, out of sheer elegance—
since when have you had all this patience!?

At the club, in a little while, you will meet your comrades—
a boisterous band, in evening talk and dancing.
Is it your first dance—
the first waist your hand has encircled!?
... Now I understand the meaning of your nervousness,
and the meaning of the shy radiance in the handsome face:
it is the blossoming of life—
it is adolescence!
A bright lookout onto youth,
in its yearning toward innocent adventures.
Sweet is your adolescence, my son—
even if it has come before its time!!!