Little One Done

She seems so very small as I watch her make her way toward those intimidating swinging doors.  She’s taller than me now, and would very much resent the way my inner clock can deny the years that have passed.

Eyes bright as fire

Always wise beyond her years

She knows no fear

I am in awe of her strength, her air of confidence. She has confessed to the front, but no one else needs to know. I reflect upon my own days, the feeling of insecurity, never being good enough. I want so much more for her.

She’s running home now

Barbie lunch box banging her side

Backpack…bigger than she is

Who knew that day, when I watched her from my window, climbing those mighty steps for her first bus ride, that my life would never be the same? The world, so much scarier than it was for me…now her burden to bear. Bullies, young and old. Expectations, good and bad.

No longer under my wing only

She is free to see the world

Through the eyes of another

Other than her mother

As she grows to adult, I grow to human. Once the hero, my flaws have been revealed. Over time, so shall more. Will our relationship change? Will she judge me as critically as those who loved before?  When does guardian turn to friend?  When does protector turn to accomplice? Will her dreams of exploring the world with me change?

It was a mommy and me day

Until her phone rang

Friends are more important

My heart breaks a little bit, and tries to be strong. Never mind the lump in my throat nor the tear in my eye. It’s nothing personal. I pick up, I drop off, and head to my mother’s with coffee.

Her hug is as firm as it always was

Her solace the balm for the sting

Her reassurance I will always be the mom

Validated in the concern in her eyes.

The night has fallen. My little one, out and about, after dark…with boys.  I watch the doors swing wide, as her and her posse make their way to my car, still wearing their 3D glasses. Their laughter encroaches upon the silence.

She is all smiles as she takes her place beside me

Her cheeks are flushed, her eyes electric

“Thanks Mom…that was awesome!”

So are you kiddo…so are you.

Anna Montgomery (@Chromatopia_LLC) is up for her dVersePoets debut today at MeetingTheBar. She's going to have us talking prose, poetry...and I'm guessing we'll be able to show her one heck of a welcome! See you at the pub!