we bring them into this life

clean slates in our image

pieces of ourselves planted as seeds

we protect with everything we are

hoping we are providing all the maps for their journeys

blood is thick

we warm with their laughter

break with their pain

at times helpless as the years stretch beyond our reach

we witness identities, not copies of ourselves

calling out to soften falls

struggling to bite the tongue that stunts their tomorrow

we remain always within reach

far enough to allow for flight

but close for all they need

we hope to have done enough

so they walk forever lightly

and our souls to rest easy