February 3, 2025
I was too young to appreciate being someone’s reason for living,
Always trying too hard to grow up too fast.
I always focused on the negative, defensive at the drop of a pin,
Unwilling to recognize how much she cared,
I wish I had been wise enough to treasure unconditional love.
To say thank you and I love you too,
How I miss being held and enveloped in your embrace,
To feel safe, unjudged, and loved.
I was too insecure even to recognize what you were seeing,
Always dwelling too heavily upon the past.
I always focused on insecurity, defensive at a moment’s whim,
Unwilling to recognize how much she shared.
I wish I had been smart enough to recognize a crush much less love,
To say thank you and “I like you too.”
How I missed being held and going on adolescent dates,
To be dazed, validated, and loved.
And I am too afraid that I will not get much more of this feeling,
I always worry that it will not last.
I will always focus on your safety, protecting you with life and limb,
Unwilling to bow down to a teenager’s glare.
I wish I were wise enough to explain to you, unconditional love,
To say thank you for just being you,
How I will miss holding your hand knowing it was great,
To be a parent unconditionally loved.