Growing Up

She's reaching for the next grip, carefully placing her feet,

This growing up business, the stretch, and the collapse into 

A mess of tantrums, screaming at this universe that somehow 

Is too big, and not to her liking, this growing up business stretches

All of us from the joy of that new competence, to the severe challenges

Of not losing the adult temper that must always stay in check, the 

Stretch of always being the adult, always patient, always teaching.

I watch this dance and, at times, retreat into this quiet room 

Where I can hear the din of family life, but am not responsible.

Oh, I did my time, and they grew up to have their own,

And my heart is with them, even if, at times, my energy is not.