Natalie At 14

Watching her grow and remembering me
As a teen of changeable mood.
Seeing her thrive and thankfully so - yet
As her parent I’ll need to stay shrewd.

From a spiky-haired smiler at 7 months old
To a graceful and slender fourteen.
She has bloomed through the years in so many ways
That even I could have never foreseen.

When I was her age, I thought I was so smart
And, in some ways, l see now I was right.
Now it’s her turn to venture further into the world – 
Face big choices when out of my sight.

True, babies will test you in myriad ways
Utter dependence, refusal to nap….
Dealing with food, diapers, doctors and daycare
Juggling those almost seems like a snap.

For next week, my first baby heads to high school
Whether or not she and I both feel ready.
But I know she’ll do great (even envy her some) 
May she be ever brave, kind and steady.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Brown Avatar
March 9, 2011 at 6:40 AM
Congratulations on your poetry making it through round one of PoetrySoup's contest. The best to you in the finals Joni. Love Carol
Fraser Avatar
January 15, 2011 at 3:10 PM
Lovely poetry about your daughter. She'll be fine in High School. With a loving family around her and true friends, it's the best recipe for her tomorrow's. A warm welcome to poetry Soup to you....:)
Flach Avatar
January 15, 2011 at 3:07 PM
Ah ha ... I caught you!!!! This is beautiful!!! Why is there no more? Give me more ... give me more ... I dare you to. Joe
Brown Avatar
January 13, 2011 at 10:00 AM
Congratulations on your featured poem this week Joni. May you have many more. Love, Carol
Brown Avatar
August 23, 2010 at 5:14 AM
I would like to welcome you to PoetrySoup Jodi. Wishing you the best in your writing endeavors. If you have questions please feel free to ask anyone here. We are all willing to help and if we don't know the answer we will find someone who does. Love, Carol
Hall Mad Poet Avatar
August 22, 2010 at 12:19 PM
They grow up so quick. My son is 6 going on 30. Welcome to the soup
Sweetheart Avatar
August 21, 2010 at 2:11 PM
Welcome to Poetry Soup.. so enjoyed reading your creative write tonight.. looking forward to many more..with luv..
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