It was ten years ago
Almost to this very day
That my world became brighter
As you finally made your way
A blink and a flutter
Two gorgeous brown eyes
A new life in this world
To my delicious, delight
I was transfixed in that moment
Lost in the pool of your eyes
Holding you, my precious girl
As you gave out your first cry
For ten years I have held you
Kissed away every tear
Knowing what you needed
My role has been clear
I have traced every freckle
I have kissed every toe
And yet there is so much more
I am still yet to know
As I listen to you speak
And look in those same eyes
There is a deepening of your character
Taking me by surprise
How you are funny and hilarious
In a discreet and quiet way
Careful and daring
As you go about your day
You are strong and determined
Private as well
The independent you
Is now beginning to swell
I run over too quickly
Afraid you may tumble
Your eyes have this new look
Please Mum let me stumble
I want to hang on
And still move out of your way
A conflict of urges
It is your Mumma’s way
Rejoicing and celebrating
Your triumphs and success
Helping whenever you falter
through life’s yucky mess
It is my own hot tears now
I so quickly wipe away
You are growing so fast
You need me less every day
It is cliché I know
And yet so very true
The minute you were born
My heart somehow grew
A new piece was added
Reserved just for you
A souvenir of those nine months
When my heart beat for two
That mother-daughter connection
That deep bond that we share
Please know no matter your age
I will always be there
Happy Birthday my darling
It has been an amazing ten years
Mummy celebrates the ‘BIG’ girl you are now
Oh dear, here come some more tears……….
What a beautiful tribute to your daughter for all aspects of her life. She will know you love her through the stumbles and all. I’m not sure why I’ve never thought to write poetry for their birthdays; but now is a good time to start. My baby turned 25! Thanks for the inspiration. Keep on writing.
Marie, I began writing poetry this year and it seems to flow out of me at my more emotional times. I ignored the urge at first and now I embrace it and have captured moments like these for my children to reflect on later. So thrilled you read and enjoyed it.
Lovely, Karen. Especially the comment that the tears you wipe away now are those of your own. So true. A very special Happy 10th to your daughter!
Thanks Kelly, she had a magical week
Lovely tribute to your daughter Karen! The tears come with the territory and I don’t think that ever changes. The mother/daughter bond is a special one. Thanks for sharing:)
Thanks Nancy, I know I am very blessed to have my gorgeous girl and there will be more tears to come.
Karen – I love the poem and the deep love expressed. I have a 16 and 12 year old daughter and you captured some universal feelings I think most moms have. Thank you. It was beautiful.
Christine from one Mum to another thanks enormously for reading and enjoying
This is truly beautiful and such a gift to your daughter as well as us. I love the part about kissing all her toes but also having so much more to learn about her as she grows.
Michele that is the feel I have as she grows more independent, I know every inch of her physical self and yet there is this whole internal self I am still to know as she grows.
Karen, this poem reminds me why I have your blog listed as one of my favorites on my blog. When I read this birthday poem, I thought of my new grandbaby and how I look upon him in ways you describe in “it was ten years ago today”. May I continue to remember as you do as he grows to ten and beyond.
Oh Susan you are a delight to have hop on over here anytime. Congrats on your new Grandbaby and enjoy all those delicious years as he grows and delights you.
Karen,
What a lovely poem (and a great picture). Your daughter is lucky to have such a sensitive, aware and caring mom. Even as she she strays away, she’ll no doubt appreciate you for all you do to be there for understanding and support.