Seven years ago
A cold, snowy April day
You completely changed me
And I became "Mommy"
Now, you have completely changed, too
A bright-eyed, smiley boy
With a gummy grin
Baby teeth have given in
To the inevitable future
The loves of your younger years
Seem seconds away to me
But are half a lifetime away
For you
Reading chapter books
And writing your own
Developing characters
And discussing marketing techniques
To continue your franchise
You love R2-D2
Though you have not yet seen Star Wars
We try our best to keep
That innocence we love around
But it won't be long
You called me "Mom"
For the first time
And I wished I could give
A time-out
For growing up
My first grader
Whose world was once completely reliant
Upon Mommy and Daddy
Now has other influences
Teachers, friends, mean kids
And girls who chase boys on recess
Seven years have passed
A warm, summer-like day
I share my birthday with you again
But now I know so well the many emotions
That come with being who you made me:
Your mommy
And I know that --
Without a doubt --
My best birthday gift
Will always be
You.
