Up in the middle of the night,

Wondering when you got home.

A quick glance out the window

And his car in the driveway

Tell me that you are not alone.

Careful footsteps to the second floor.

A street lamp illuminates the hallway

Outside your door.

My fingers grip the knob,

My heart braces for

What I'm about to see.

You are still only seventeen.

~

Hours ago you stood in the foyer,

Glittering dress cascading down your body,

Hair elegant and styled,

Light make-up on your face,

Eye shadow and blush,

Just enough to let your beauty shine,

I felt so proud that you are mine.

~

Dashing, debonair young man,

Falling to his knee,

Mouth agape at what he sees.

A small bouquet of roses

An offering in his hand.

You've known this boy

For quite some time,

But never like this,

Never like this

~

I silently open your door.

I know that you are not a child anymore;

I know I can't keep you free from all the harm

I know I can't stop you from growing old.

And so I close my eyes for just a moment

Afraid of what I am about to behold.

~

You rest peacefully

In his arms

Dressed in a pair of sweats,

Head cradled along his neck,

Breathing gently like

Waves on a rolling sea.

The roses sit on your desk,

His jacket folded on the chair

And his shoes placed on the floor.

You both sleep above the covers,

You in your nightly clothes,

Him in his formal wear.

~

I bring my hands to my face,

Holding back the tears.

I loved a love like this

When I was a young girl like you.

I loved a love

So honest and true,

So pure and sweet,

So total and complete,

So peaceful and serene.

I inch myself away from this scene.

~

Down the stairs and back into my bed.

He sleeps breathing gently

Like waves on a rolling sea.

I find my place

Nestled deeply.

I still love a love like this.

I pray you follow

In my footsteps.