He is my beloved, my firstborn and the fruit of all my labour. As a young child he was loyal, good natured and he never left my side. I cannot lie, I loved him the most and he was closest to my heart. So I gave him all my attention and though I loved him with all my might, I could not make him stay. Now time has flown, we have grown and there is much distance between us. He is a proud young man with a rebellious nature so desperate to see the world and beyond the comfort and safety of home, the world waits. One day, caught up with the business of life I was distracted and in that moment he was gone and now all I can do is pray for his return. But he is an unruly, wayward young man spending himself on everything and everyone to his own selfish end and now everywhere and nowhere is his home. Like the Prodigal Son he is a stray dog with no master, an untamed beast I cannot control and I am beside myself with worry and dismay! What must I do? This is the place where he is most welcome, most loved! Does he not know his worth, how vital he is to my existence? Should he not return I fear that someday I will have no place to rest my weary head and these empty mean streets will swallow me whole!
JS