Growing Up

I remember 
the first time 
I held you 
a warm
squirming bundle 
thrust into 
an unfamiliar world

I forgot
wide-awake nights 
spent rocking you 
to sleep 
your ceaseless wails 
driving me to tears

I remember
holding my breath
as you took
your first halting steps
and tumbled into 
my waiting arms

I forgot 
the knife-edge of fear
plunging into me
every time I thought
of you breaking free
to forge your own path

I remember 
my heart 
swell with pride 
as I watched 
my little girl grow 
into a young woman

© 2014 Uma Venkatraman ~ All Rights Reserved