Yesterday you looked at me with mischievous eyes
Then waddled from the coffee table to the chair
where I was sitting
So proud of your new trick
(You only fell down twice)
Oh, the places we went then
The things we saw together!
The world so new to you
And somehow new to me
Through your eyes
not so long ago
Today you looked at me with hesitant eyes
Afraid to hurt my feelings
Then you spoke-
You talk of getting your own apartment
Not so far away
Your desk is strewn with job applications
and phone numbers of friends from the college.
Oh, the sights you will see now
The places you will travel!
And you’ll tell me all about it
On weekends over coffee.
Today my heart is full of pain and pride
At these first steps you take all on your own
You know that I am still your mom
-if you should fall.