Growing away

They say it gets easier

That sleep will come

That they’ll move to solids

And be walking by one.

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They say it gets easier

That experience will help

That you’ll find your feet

Forget how hard it felt.

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They say it gets easier

They’ll learn to talk

They’ll tie their own shoes

Use a knife and fork.

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They say it gets easier

That the fun will start

You’ll have more time

More light, less dark.

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They say it gets easier

Your arms will flow free

School bags on backs

Your bed now empty.

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They say it gets easier

You’ll feel yourself again

You’ll leave the house more

And remember your brain.

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They say it gets easier

And perhaps they’re right

Practically speaking anyway

But it’s not black and white.

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Because it doesn’t feel easier

Not emotionally anyway

To have to let go

When you’d love them to stay.

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Because it doesn’t feel easier

When they need you less

When you wait for their call

When your mind’s a mess.

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Because it doesn’t feel easier

The worry doesn’t stop

They are your whole world

Your heart forever in knots.

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Because it doesn’t feel easier

To love so much

To lean into trust

To lose your touch.

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Because it doesn’t feel easier

No matter their stage

To see your forever babies

Grow away with age.