When I gaze at your old pictures I have a strong urge
To go back in time, savor moments with you at that age, and emerge
More satisfied in my role as a mother, because I fear
I did not spend enough time with you, my dear
There are a thousand ways in which my intellect can justify
Why I could not devote all my time to you, but those would not satisfy
The gnawing feeling that I was not present
For all your milestones, recitals, school events
Now you are growing up too fast for me
And I’m still embroiled in the same quandary
Between work commitments and being more involved
In your life, as your needs continue to evolve
*
I get wistful looking at pictures old
And remind myself to enjoy your personality unfold
Every day, as you grow older and less inclined
To spend time with me, I want to help you find
Your footing in this world as you approach
Adulthood, without trying to encroach
On your individual hopes and desires
May you achieve everything to which you aspire..
*
Someday I shall be looking at old photographs of you as a young lad
I would feel immensely proud and glad
That your full potential you did realize
You grew up with strong roots and stars in your eyes..
*
Let me take myself off this train of thought
The future is unknown, and I cannot
Turn back time, let me make a greater effort
To be present for you today, and take comfort
In the fact that several years of nurture still lie ahead
Let me not dwell on lost time and make the most of what I still have instead
Passion...unbridled 