Each day <br />she gives the countdown <br />till she turns 18 <br />and can move out <br />and be on her own <br />and finally have her own space <br />and her own room. <br /> <br />I pretend <br />I’m excited with her <br />for her to find herself <br />through her independence. <br />I pretend to share her joy <br />as that day draws nearer <br />…now only 382 days! <br /> <br />She’ll be happy. <br />She’s a strong young woman <br />head on straight <br />good grades <br />no drugs or alcohol <br />not boy crazy <br />a beautiful person <br />inside and out. <br /> <br />She doesn’t know <br />it hurts me <br />when she counts those days off. <br />She has no idea <br />how I feel inside <br />when she squeals <br />with delight <br />at the thought <br />of moving away. <br /> <br />I’ll keep pretending. <br />I know <br />I’ve done my job well <br />and she will be something. <br />She will be productive <br />and successful <br />and independent <br />and she will come back.<br /><br />Mary Nagy<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/she-s-counting-down/
