you are still a sapling
who sways with the breeze
when the wind bends your branches
I fall to my knees
the storms will sneak in
and tear stem and leaf 
my insides will crumble
as you surrender to grief

I must remind myself
that sadness will strengthen
resilience and gifts
and your branches will lengthen
reaching toward sunlight
exploding in bloom
I watch in amazement
from the side of the room

a mother must tend
to her child with grace
pouring herself into the soil
yet giving her space
a place to come home to
with roots deep and unfrayed
as she grows into a glorious tree
I will sit proudly in her shade