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In
the car
silence
gloom rides in the car seat
trepidation and fear hangs in the air
the mother feels the child's nervousness
both their stomachs knotted as
the apprehension builds
she feels the same anxiety as the child
how hard this first parting
they have been joined so long
by their shared love
letting go is something new
to both of them
their eyes meet and
they share the sadness
each reluctant to let go
tears come from the child's eyes
mommy, I don't want to go to school
I want to stay with you
you must she says with a trembling voice
otherwise you will never be big
she chokes back her own tears
trying to be as brave as she wants him to be
suddenly the school greeter opens the car door
helps the child out of the car seat
and lands him on the sidewalk
with a friendly greeting, a welcoming smile
the picture of optimism and good cheer
she knows what is going on
she has seen it so many times before
she talks to the child
all about the classroom
the days activities, the videos, the playground
lunchtime treats
your classmates and teacher
are waiting for you, she exclaims
so hurry inside
they can't wait to meet you
the child looks back one last time
his stomach churning as
he walks toward the school's foreboding door
the mother can barely stand it
as she drives away
still watching in the rear view mirror
as her precious child disappears into the building
the hardest part is over she says
leave quickly before he changes his mind
or I do
each grew up today
the most traumatic event is over
the act of letting go
the mother from the son
the son from his mommy
each lived through
this first parting
and learned a harsh lesson of life
you can only be big
if you conquer your fears
beginning with those which come
on the first day of school
a day the boy eventually won't remember
a day the mother will never forget.
© d.knape
September 22, 2015
More "Once Upon A Line" - Light verse and
poetry by d.knape
Related Topics: Columns | People
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