For Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day

and especially to my mom, who I miss this year. 

The first is over 50 that I won't be able to call 

or say I love you.

Baby Steps

by Tina Pinson

I used to carry you, used to complain

about how heavy you were becoming.

So I set you down and taught you to walk.

Baby Steps...

Look at you. When did you learn to walk so well?

I used to hold your hand. Or you held mine.

But a time came when you want to run.

So I let you go and watched you trot away

Baby Steps…

When did you learn to run so fast?

I used to watch you play. In the sandbox. On the slide.

But running gave way to bikes and bikes to cars.

So I folded my hands with a pray, and watched you drive away.

Baby Steps…

Where did that handsome young man come from?

I used to listen to the roar of your car's engine,

signaling your save return home. But you've moved away.

It was time I suppose, but your room is so empty.

Baby Steps…

Now I wait for the phone to ring and you to call home.

Oh that I could watch you toddling again.

I remember when you held my hand and walked in my shadow.

Baby Steps...

When did your steps surpass mine?

When did your shadow become so long?

You take the steps of a man now. So sure, so strong.

You don't need my hand to hold you anymore.

Forgive your mother her tears.

Forgive your mother her dreams that we could go back

and I could snuggle you and hold you again.

See, you may be grown, and have a family of your own,

but you'll always be my little boy.

Baby Steps.