A Lighter Touch

It's a matter of pressure, the weight of exchange
Affection we share now, in a different ballgame
I won't leave you red faced, embarrass, or shame
Tho' my impulse commands to squeeze you the same
But your school chums are watching, so I keep arms restrained
 
You've been climbing the ladder, to your middle school days
And I'll admit that the changes are much harder for me
Than for you who resolves to grab hold to each year
And wear them like badges, on your way to be free

My cherub remembered, is no prize you would own
Yet my feelings, regardless, are the same as before
When I rocked you, my baby, how I cherished dark nights
I never once pondered, how soon wings take flight

I would cradle and hold you, my lips on your cheek
I sang nursery stories, and called you my sweet
The world of surprises with each passing while
As you wander a tightrope,  between a man and the child

So I hug you now gently,  I must stifle my gushing
But the touch of you fills me with rushes of longing
I can’t swallow you whole, like I did long ago
But the love hasn’t changed, and the touch is much lighter
But the love is the same , we both know it, somehow…



..................
For Deb's Contest: "Touch"
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Brown Avatar
February 26, 2012 at 5:00 PM
Congratulations on your placement in Debbie Guzzi's "Touched" contest Carrie. Love, Carol
Sweetheart Avatar
February 26, 2012 at 12:52 PM
congrats Carrie on a wonderful win for this truly touching piece so profound a write luv..
Guzzi Avatar
February 25, 2012 at 6:57 PM
So true you know we two have the same issue with this..our sons!Congrad's on your win Light & Love
Johnson-Saunders Avatar
February 24, 2012 at 11:35 PM
Carrie, you have made me cry. My son is four and he's already pulling away from me. He pushes me when I hug him for too long. The time goes by so fast. I have trouble imagining my son at your son's age. I know the time will come too soon. Thanks for sharing. You have reminded me to cherish every moment. Blessings, Rhonda
Cornwall Avatar
February 24, 2012 at 8:21 PM
Reminds me of my children.. Lovely patrick
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