These Are Your Parents

Last month, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, published her first book, a picture book about the bond between fathers and sons.

The Bench started as a poem written to her husband for Father’s Day, when the Duchess gifted Harry a bench that would serve as a "home base" for him and their son. The book depicts fathers and sons living their lives and sharing special moments around the benches that bring them together.

While it was written for children, this book is addressed to fathers of young boys. I have flipped the script and rewritten The Bench specifically for the Sussexes' two-year-old son, Archie. I’ve kept the rhyme scheme and general pattern of the Duchess’ book.

These are your parents

The dad and the mom

Of you and your sister,

Your chickens and dogs.

These are your parents

Both filled with great joy

To call you their child

And say, "That's my boy!"

They'll always be there

To give you advice

To help you get through

All stages of life.

They'll love you, they'll listen

They'll be your supporters

When life feels in shambles

They'll help you find order.

They'll sit on your bench

And be your giving trees

They'll always be there

To provide what you need.

They'll teach you compassion

And how to be strong

To fight for what's right

When the world gets it wrong.

These are your parents

The woman and man

Who will never stop being

Your number one fans.

Some days will be good

While others are worse

But with your mom and dad,

You'll always come first.

You and your parents,

The Duchess and Duke

With Lili and Archie,

Your sister and you.

These are your parents

Who sacrificed all

For you and your sister,

Your chickens and dogs.

These are your parents

Who made a new home

And built for their children

A safe place to grow.

One day you'll learn about

All of the madness

The pain they endured,

The hurt and the sadness.

They'll tell you the tale

Of when they first met

How the prince looked for love

And found his princess.

You'll hear all about

Your mother's great strength,

Your father's commitment

To keeping her safe.

And you'll so admire

Their courage and heart

How they couldn't be broken

Or driven apart.

These are your parents

The brave and the bold

The writers of history

And stories untold.

You'll watch firsthand

As they fight for change

No longer silenced

At last unrestrained.

You and your parents

The Family Sussex

Four spirited rebels

Causing a ruckus.

These are your parents

Who love you so much

Of you and your sister

They can't get enough.

These are your parents

Who weathered the strife

To find inner peace

And give you a good life.

They came to this country

And fought to be free

They've worked very hard

To ensure you succeed.

And one day you'll realize

How lucky it was

That you got two parents

Who love you so much.

You'll know you've been blessed

To have grown-ups like these

Who gave you the freedom

To be who you please.

They'll be there for you

Through the bruises and bumps

For you and your sister

Make their hearts go pump-pump.

These are your parents

Mrs. and Mr.

The lifelong supporters

Of you and your sister.

From there on your bench,

They'll cheer you two on

And watch with great pride

As you grow big and strong.

Your wonderful parents,

Your forever friends

The ones who will have

Both your backs 'til

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this story, click the 🖤.

If you know who the creator of these beautiful illustrations is, please contact me so I can give them credit!

Check out my other stories about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex: