Looking Back

When you were a baby
I held you in I my arms
Totally capitivated
By your innocent charms.
Then you were a toddler
Wobbling here and there
Trying your very best to stand
Pulling yourself up by a chair.
Then came the sad and happy day
When you first entered school
Learning how to run and play
And learning the golden rule.
Then you were in middle school
Determined to learn French
You were growing up so fast
My heart a little did wrench.
And now you stand before me
Sixteen and nearly grown
Soon you'll be off to college
My, how the years have flown.
Yes, years of gumdrops and childhood kisses
Oh so quickly have flown by
(I hope you will forgive me
for the tear within my eye).
Today's your sixteenth birthday
A child you no longer are
Very soon you'll be begging me
To teach you to drive a car.
Someday from home you will be gone
Your future for to meet
And when I watch you drive away
My heart with both pain and pride will beat.
Oh, you will drop by now and then
My heart comfort for to give
But we will slowly drift apart
For you'll have your own life to live.
But for now I'll cherish this special time
That with you I now can share
And I will love and treasure you
And always let you know I care.
And when you too have children
And they share this place in time
You will look into their shining eyes
And share with them this rhyme.

Happiest Birthday Wishes

Poetry written by Amber Michelle, 2009