I’m not ready little one
as you stand poised on the edge
of standing on your own two feet

I’m not ready
for a lifetime of not seeing you every day
for dinners for one

how will you know what food to buy
and which wash a black and white striped top goes into
when to mow a lawn

it was only yesterday you held my hand
followed my lead
filled my days with tasks

a beautiful baby
with grey eyes
capturing my heart

time is a tricksy beast though
and you have plans and dreams
and impetuous youth

adventures have a siren song
and experiences are waiting
rites of passage into adulthood

I know you are ready to take this step
to walk in the world of the big people
to practice all you have learned

My precious one
I am waiting to watch you fly