My Daughter
By Alice Collins
How can it be that when I bent to kiss you good night, My daughter, A
beautiful young woman Lay where only yesterday A little girl had been?
When did the barrettes and Ponytail ribbons, Of birthday party days, give
way to the Styling comb and make-up mirror Of Saturday night dates? Was it
not only yesterday, Crayons of all colors laid upon the table Where now
bottles of nail polish rest? How can it be the buggy you filled With so many
dolls Has been pushed aside and new suitcases Are filled instead Did you
ever know the finger you Wrapped yourself around was tied right to my
heart? It seems as though the ink has just dried On the pages of your baby
book And here we are laughing over pages In your year book. How did the
ballet slippers of a little girl Become the high heels of a young woman on her
way? Such a little while ago you cried, "Mommy, I'm scared", and now you
whisper, "Mom, don't worry I'll be fine." When did the teddy bear you
hugged all night Become the photo of someone you've chosen for life? How
can it be the smell of baby powder Turned instead to the scent of perfume,
The giggles of a little girl Became the tears of a teen, And the roses tiny
fingers picked Were treasured like the petals of a prom bouquet? Wasn't it
only yesterday ruffles and tea parties Colored my world pink and today A
new address and a good-bye kiss stain my world blue? How did it happen so
quickly and When I stop to realize all my golden tomorrows Will bask in the
memories of pink yesterdays. Thank you Lord for pink yesterdays.
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