Life isn’t fair: It isn’t fair that my children are funnier than I am. It isn’t fair that they’re cleverer than I am and it sure isn’t fair that they write so much better than I do — and they started doing so early.
I already shared an (ahem) unforgettable saga daughter Susan wrote when she was about six, ‘A Romance’ about the Pickle and the Stick. (See https://viewfromoverthehill.wordpress.com/?s=A+Love+Story…or just click on Oct/2021 on the right of the cover page.)
Rafi wrote one at about the same age, but if Susan’s was a saga, his called ‘How did she die?’ was a tome, much too long for this post. If you want to read it you will have to wait until it is published. (Chuckle.)
Instead I’ve chosen to share the following poem written during his early university years — in about 1991.
A MAN AND HIS TEAR
By Rafi Kauffmann
Looking into a sullen eye
A moment of realism slips through
A moment of evil and self-destruction
Yet of kindness and redemption,
A tear
Sold is the innocence of youth
For a rough tempered style,
Tattered is the skin
Worn beyond its years
But still, a tear
Glistening with emotion
It swells but won’t fall
The impression on others holds it back
A positive sign this tear
A breakthrough well needed
An escape well deserved
Honestly it sings of experience
A living history contained within its walls
What it knows he knows
What it is, he is
View from Over the Hill 
Rafi had depth beyond his years, even then!
I agree. He is a special person and so are you Susan. I love you both more than I can say….
WHat a passionate, compassionate man your son is! And it is fair that they are funnier, smarter, and write better because you taught them how to be 🙂
Thank you so much. I agree my kids are good people, which is more important than anything else. That they are clever and talented — they manage to be all by themselves. Fondest regards, enjoy each day. Cheers, Muriel
Very good poem! You have two talented children.
I know and derive much pleasure from them. Take care of yourself and enjoy each day. Fondly, Muriel
Firstly we love your posts, so you are no less than your kids 😜. Poem is really touchy and deep. Less words, more impact ❤️
Thank you for reading my posts. I love that you do and enjoy yours as well. I agree poems can say much in few words and manage to kick us in the gut. I thought this one did… Fondly, Muriel
Well, Muriel, I’m not surprised both Susan and Rafi are such good writers. After all, they have you for a Mom! 😁
That’s nice Jaya: But do they HAVE to be so much better at it???? (Ha, ha.) Yes, I am proud of them both, yet mostly because they are good people/ After all, that is what is really important. Much love, Muriel
Oh yes, children HAVE to be better! Can you imagine what we would feel if they weren’t?!
And yes, good at heart. Most important.
I agree Jaya: And your daughter too has a good heart, I recall she had her beautiful hair all cut off to donate it to be used by women who lose their hair due to cancer treatment. You too can be proud. Love, Muriel
You remember! ❤️
And yes, I am proud of her!
Of course I remember Jaya: It made her special in my opinion. I’m still hoping one day I can show up at your door and meet you all. Love, Muriel
Looking forward to that day!
Ha, ha. I’m nutty enough to try it.
❤️
Such a profound poem by Rafi! Your children are as talented as you are! Keep sharing such lovely poems 😀
Thank you Arnav: You too are very talented and I always look forward to see what you are up to. You never disappoint. Love your blog!!! Fondly, Muriel
aaahhhh, thank you so much dear Muriel! 😀
My pleasure. Here’s a virtual hug for you. Ha, ha.
The success of your children is a true reflection of how you have inspired them. Give yourself more credit. All of us always want our children to out achieve us (well at least the majority I hope) so we know they’ll be okay in the long run. Loved the poem!
I actually believe parents are not as powerful as we may like to believe. You can only try. I feel lucky and of course, I am proud of who they are. Thanks for reading. I love that you do. Cheers, Muriel
A very talented family with you at the lead. Lovely.
Thank you so much. I am proud of the people they have become and enjoy their goodness. All the best, Muriel
It is beautiful, thank you for sharing. What did Rafi say when you posted his poem?
I found this old poem while going through my papers and asked his permission before I posted it. He finds it difficult to refuse me anything, so I’m a spoiled mom. Ha, ha. Cheers, Muriel
It is wonderful to be a spoiled mom 🥰 Does he still write?
Occasionally. He is busy teaching, a profession he was born to. Stay well, Muriel
Very well written! They got it from you ❤️
Thank you. You gave me a warm fuzzy. Stay well, Muriel
That poem is very heart touching. All of you are into writing that’s a good thing.
I agree with you. We are all readers and as for writing, I believe my children have more talent than I do. I love that we share these interests. It brings us closer. Cheers, Muriel