Note to my Children

Me, cradling you so gingerly, You, wriggling in my arms, Breathing your first breath, Hold on tight, my dear, and think of me, Never ever let go, of how it used to be   You, smiling your first smile, Staring at me lovingly, With brown sparkling eyes, Hold on tight, my dear, and think of me, Never ever let go, of how it used to be   You, taking your first steps, Wobbling to and fro, Holding on to my finger, so very very tight, Hold on tight, my dear, and think of me, Never ever let go, of how it used to be   Me, pushing on the swing, You, yelling gleefully, You could touch the sky, from the rope on the tree, Hold on tight, my dear, and think of me, Never ever let go, of how it used to be   You, smelling your first rose, I plucked from the bush, Carefully, thorns removed, Hold on tight, my dear, and think of me, Never ever let go, of how it used to be   You, shedding your first tears, From a scrapped knee? Or just feelings hurt? Hold on tight, my dear, and think of me, Never ever let go, of how it used to be   You, singing your first notes, So pretty, on the stage, smiling through joyful tears, Hold on tight, my dear, and think of me, Never ever let go, of how it used to be   You, dancing your first dance, Your little fingers, stretched out, Beckoning me, ‘Come on!’ Hold on tight, my dear, and think of me, Never ever let go, of how it used to be   You, driving the first time, Starting, stopping, and then again, Me sitting next to you, clutching my seat, Hold on tight, my dear, and think of me, Never ever let go, of how it used to be   You, standing across from me, Arguing your point of view, I frowned, but so proud inside, Hold on tight, my dear, and think of me, Never ever let go, of how it used to be   Us, staying up so late, Screaming at horror shows, Now replaced with essays from school, Hold on tight, my dear, and think of me, Never ever let go, of how it used to be   College, and then your first job, You’re starting on your own, Now miles away from me, Hold on tight, my dear, and think of me, Never ever let go, of how it used...