i have watched you for years.

watched over you from the 

moment of your first breath.

delighted at your first word,

first step.

~~~~

i have done my best 

to guard you, 

keep you safe, 

while also aspiring 

to instill a sense of 

wonder at the world around

and an understanding

of your importance in it, 

courage.

your talents, abilities, 

a joy to you, 

a gift of fresh air to others. 

~~~~

but now it is up to you.

i cannot walk your path,

cannot dream your dreams,

hold your hand, plan your way.

this is part of letting go, 

and you must take the reins.

~~~~

and i

must not block the way. 

~~~~

©Heather Pound 2022

image:Mantas Hesthaven/Canva