To keep him safe and sound, all those years I tried

To nurture and protect him, all those times I cried

The cut fingers, burst lips, scabby knees and elbows

Arguing over homework, school day highs and lows

 

When he was sad and hurting, I would take his pain

When he felt down and low, I would take the strain

The time came for him to fly, it hurt to let him go

To keep my distance, to let him mature and grow

 

I don't know if the constant worrying will ever ease 

but...

He came home today with bee tattoos on his knees

I took one look and thought... well you did your best

At least it's not “I LOVE MALIA” in bold across his chest