Each day
she gives the countdown
till she turns 18
and can move out
and be on her own
and finally have her own space
and her own room.
I pretend
I’m excited with her
for her to find herself
through her independence.
I pretend to share her joy
as that day draws nearer
…now only 382 days!
She’ll be happy.
She’s a strong young woman
head on straight
good grades
no drugs or alcohol
not boy crazy
a beautiful person
inside and out.
She doesn’t know
it hurts me
when she counts those days off.
She has no idea
how I feel inside
when she squeals
with delight
at the thought
of moving away.
I’ll keep pretending.
I know
I’ve done my job well
and she will be something.
She will be productive
and successful
and independent
and she will come back.
Mary Nagy
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/she-s-counting-down/
