The Losing of the Lassie

How our children change

Swift grow into breasts
That lose the name of...

My paternal care forever.

Translocates without my firm hand,
Leaves behind satchel,jotter.

Rosy cheek declines.
Her carriage plumpens. I,father,

No place in this migratory thing.

Lovely daughter go!
Far beyond my child's jewel
Dolls and locks of hair.

Childhood becomes myth.
Adulthood arduous.
Angel flows above you,
About you,be happy!My daughter!

Memory is already stronger than transition.

And redirects.
In my garden always roses

As she leaves behind forever...

Yet my picture is
She is still here,touched,spun
Like gossamer

A perfect child at five years old,

A girl forever in glass I hold

Yet hope I am sensible enough to hold her as woman too
As our children change.