the graduate

when did you grow up so much
that you can be alumni of any place
and now they have you back
to talk about the places you've been

you are but not yet fifteen
i see the wisdom arriving in your soul
such confusion for this mom's heart
your beatific baby smile is all i recall

your school of nine years, endless memories
it was a drive we've done a million times
moving from back to the front seat
in my car among your many graduations

i miss the days i had to rush like the wind
fight traffic, fight life -- somedays it was war
and there you'd be waiting, yet sometimes hard to be found
holding your own, only letting go in mommy's car

somedays a haven where you'd sit in silence
sometimes a madhouse where i'd have to bite my tongue
some days a confessional where sins were owned
sometimes just a place to hide from the world

and when we drove up to your old school last night
you played that song we used to sing in comical fun
when i laughed and said, what times it brings to mind
you said, "of course mom! i had to play it this ride"

how precious those days and they won't come back
but i know your soul does remember them well
you find treasures of meaning, what grown men can't do
my little sweet soul the world must have a lovely place for you

for my sweet M forever...

love,
Mom

Jan 15th, 2015 the day after "alumni night" at Bowman...