Icarus

Don't you know, I worry ‘bout you, cause you're my only child,

You've been tied close to my heartstrings since the first time that you smiled,

And I'm proud to see you're growing, but I'm scared you're growing wild,

We talk together lately, you're the mimic, I'm the mime,

In emotions and confusions, all the reasons lose their rhyme

Until the words all flow together, and we're just spending time.

We all make our masks of feathers, test the winds and try to choose,

Everyone's a gambler, (but how easily we lose).

And it’s awfully hard to give up wings and put on walking shoes.

Well don't tell me, you're not listening, I tend to rant and ramble on....

I'm only trying to help, I turn, and you're already gone,

And you think I'm playing games again, and cast you as a pawn.

Don't you know, I'll always love you, I see the silver and the fire

That burns in you, I know you can fly to the sun - and higher,

If I worry, its just ‘cause I've learned - how easily we tire.

Joyce Effinger