“Enjoy it while you can.
They grow up way too fast.”
Older folks said these words
Observing my children.

I listened; I promise.
So why did it still hurt
And catch me by surprise?
I wasn’t ready then.

Even now I’m still not.
Ready, that is. I can’t
Look at their grown faces
And not see my littles.

Adults, all three mature.
All with lives of their own.
I love them grown of course
But still feel somewhat lost.

What now? I ask myself.
I do miss the closeness
Of little hugs and smiles.
Different now, but good.

New love… conversations
A different friendship
An adult connection
Advanced relationship