Look Both Ways: A Mother’s Journey

Originally Published in Femme: The Handbook; Issue 3

You say it is here,

it is here at last

You’ve waited for this day,

but it came too fast

I’m ready to go,

I’m ready, you say,

You’re ready to leave me

on this detaching day

Before you go, my child,

capture one for the book.

Let my eyes take the sight

of your big kid look

Wait, there are things

which you may not know,

you’re going out into the world,

take a minute, take it slow

My child, remember, look both ways

when you cross

be kind to others but

sometimes, you be the boss.

befriend only the right ones

be wary of bullies

be smart, always learning

be generous, fully.

Mom, we have to go

we cannot be late.

stay longer, will you, please,

can this not wait?

do you have all you need?

are you really all ready?

sit with me a few moments,

I feel a bit unsteady

your hands feel moist

when I squeeze them tight

you seem so grown up,

I take in your sight

at the door, we pause,

it’s loud, where’s the air?

you take my hand, pull me in

eyes—they all stare

laughter, sounds, music,

for you they all rise.

he walks up to take you,

tears spill from my eyes

his hand awaits yours

your face radiant glows

you turn back, that smile,

it’s now that I know

I saw that you listened

my words were not lost

you looked both ways, I saw,

before the moment you

crossed.

You are ready to go

You are ready, I say,

You are ready to leave me

on your life’s new way.