You said your good byes

As brave as you could or could not be

And you left

And your heart is empty

And you’ve memorized all the platitudes:

“You’re still her mother”

“Before you know it she’ll be home”

“Now it’s your time”

And still you grieve

And not just for the loss of your child

But, for the loss of part of your self—your purpose, your meaning

And for now you need to mourn and grieve and remember

And soon—the hole will fill

You will open your heart to new pleasures, new experiences, new meanings

And pride will overcome you

As you marvel at the adult that you raised.