I was the innocence scribbled in childhood
The cozy nest prepared with love
The buttons on the jacket firmly fastened
Bundled up in the first snowfall, white as a dove.
I was led by the warmth of a magical hand
Whose reach expanded and embraced my fears
Coaxed me through my first toddles of life
And was there with a tissue to wipe my tears.
I am beginning to color inside the lines
To gaze over the top of my nest at the world beyond
The buttons fastened by myself in disarray
With an absent-minded reminder and a cheery, “So long!”
I am the last squeeze before a drippy farewell
Itching to spread and learn to fly;
Knuckles white, heart fluttering
I know that soon enough I must say good-bye.
I will color outside the lines once more
Gaze back up at my nest, a silhouette in the sun
Tightly fasten my own buttons firmly
And smoothly sail on with the thoughts of one.