this girl o’ mine.

Braids down her back.

Soft smile

and her favorite oversized green sweatshirt.

She’s beautiful.

And right now we both enjoy

this

simple

pure

camaraderie.

I want to hold it in my hands forever.

To push pause.

I dread a future look of scorn

or a heavy sigh

directed at my back.

My heart already hurts

at the eventual pulling away

the struggle and the fight

for independence.

The journey to adulthood

and the leftover feeling

that will one day be my daily bread.

The blonde mini me

who isn’t me at all.

This being who came from me

and has helped make me.

I find myself grateful

and thrilled

and humbled

to be her momma.