i wish that i could kiss away 

your sorrows and tears 

like i could when you were small 

and a mother’s hug 

made everything better. 

and the fact that i believed in you 

was all the consolation

that you needed.

~~~~

but you are older now

life is more involved.

and while experience 

has taught me that you

will make it in the end 

i cannot just make you

believe the same. 

hardship comes and 

this hurt is more palpable 

than just a skinned knee.

~~~~~

if i could carry your pain, i would. 

if i could make your heartache 

my own, this is something that

i would walk a thousand miles to do. 

but now that you are grown

you must carry it alone

and i must watch—and let you go.

~~~~

but when and if you wish 

i am always here 

to be your shelter in the storm. 

~~~~

©Heather Pound 2022