I watch you,
staring so intently at the collection of toys you sculpted out of clay.
each one had your full attention,
each one felt the love of all your heart,
each one created by the bliss that lies in your mind.
I hope you have that forever.
I hope you never lose passion for things that matter.
I hope you always lose yourself in those creations.
I watch you,
your eyes sing a song the whole world can hear.
each glance takes a brick from the wall around my heart,
each glimmer reveals my lovely world,
each look brings me closer to understanding love.
I hope you see the world through those eyes.
I hope you never lose sight of your own perspective.
I hope you look in the mirror and smile at the reflection.
when the mountains in the distance scare you
… just climb them.
when the song seems to have no rhythm
… just sing it.
when the ocean looks too deep
… just swim it.
when life overwhelms you
… just live it.
I watch you,
your voice rolls sweetly across my ears.
each call of my name hangs in the air,
each laugh shakes the world free from doubt,
each question you ask has a million perfect answers.
I hope you hear your thoughts in a crowded conversation.
I hope you never listen to that voice that tries to quiet you.
I hope the story you tell will find the perfect audience.
I watch you,
my arms stretch out but know to grasp you loosely,
each breath I take leaves me hoping for another,
each thought I have is peaceful in its chaos.
each tick of the clock comes faster than I want.
I hope you take the path that calls for all your courage.
I hope you never stand still when the dance floor needs you.
I hope you leap and know your wings have always been there.
I am thinking that while you are “hoping” you are also DOING. You are doing and teaching and showing so they will learn and have more than just your hope. They will see all that you are and they will follow in your foot steps having the bliss, the passion, the song, the perspective, the desire, the courage, and the confidence. Yeah, I have a feeling you are doing more than just hoping.
They all have far more confidence and courage than I ever knew existed at that age.
Thanks Terre.
Hmmm. Wonder where they got that from?
XOXO
This was wonderful. It’s hard for me to write about my kids without getting all gushy. I liked that you have these wonderfully strong notions about how your kids should be, and I cannot help but sense this is the older Becky talking to the younger Becky. We see so much potential in our kids, and they never seem to see themselves that way too. You’re a wonderfully supportive and inspiring parent – at least, you write like one. This was so good.
Thank you.
I never really get emotional (gushy) when I write something about my kids, it gives me a feeling of power though.
I think they know
They have a wonderful mommy!
Awww — thank you! xoxoxo
I’ve stoppen having expectations or specific hopes beyond healthy and happy for each of my girls. as a result, they amaze me with their intelligence, drive, and ambition.
its beautiful being a parent, isnt’ it?
It’s beautiful and difficult and fulfilling and draining and, and, and…!
Thank you Lance!
That lifted me up so high. Love, love, loved it. xoxo
Oh, and I love you too.
Yay!
My work here is done.
I have to say that this poem is one of, if not, my favorite of all your poems.
So easy to read…such a great flow…just perfectly, perfect!
Thank you so much!
I’m speechless, that’s so nice of you to say — wow, this is going to be a great day!
Beautiful write Becky–I still feel that way about my kids–just wonderful!!
Thank you Audrey. As a side note, my youngest daughters first name is Audrey. We were destined to be connected!
smiles….i picked up early on it was about kids…and i think this is something i would want my kids to know too…what to cling to and keep as they grow and what magic we see in them….
Thanks Brian. Sometimes I want to make sure there’s something for them to read, one day in the future, so a poem.
A mother’s love song; what passion is deeper, what love more generous, what hope more exact…nothing is wasted here. Your words spell love.
Aww — thank you so much. That is extremely nice of you to say.
It seems (from this write) that as a mother you are getting it so right. Your hopes and dreams for them are all so lovely and, you know that one day your love will have given them their wings to fly.
A really fabulous read.
Thank you.
It’s great to be able to sit back and see their decisions as they get older — it’s that delicate balance of letting go and hanging on.
this is so wonderful, filled with all the magic of a mother’s love… so many great lines, so many great bits of advice. I think your children a very lucky to have you as a mother.
Thanks Kelly.
Every once in a while, I need to write directly to them, you know?
It’s like leaving little pieces of myself for them to read.
*are* very lucky
Love this whole thing, the adroit way you work the contrasts, and the lovely insights you bring to the child’s whole mind and soul, which we so often lose as we age–especially liked the last two stanzas, just excellent.
Thank you!
Your comment means a great deal to me!
Outstanding write, filled with beautiful suggestions, and it reads like a blessing on the one you’re speaking to. Awesome, Becky!
Thanks Charles. I love your comment, thank you for leaving these words for me.
I have that same sense of awe, Becky — and then I realize — they have the same confidence I had — they just express it more fully!
Beautiful as always.
That’s a great thought, they express it more fully — and I hope they always do.
this is stunning, b! there are just too many perfect lines for me to quote! ♥
Thank you… this one really took hold of me.