The poem by taufiq rafat

children Understand him

And only this has kept intact

his pride and self-respect.

Otherwise he is a dry stream-bed

living on memories

And an inadequate pension,

And the hospitality

now given, revoked

Of his son and daughters.

An old man,who must be humoured,

And sent to his room

When there are guest about,

But always to be relied on

To keep the children upstairs

Out of mischief.

yes,

They understand him.

From man-roar, and friendly

Punches to the chest,

And damp kisses on scrubbed cheeks,

They sail to the harbour of his knees.