Off They Go

Almost a decade ago, I wrote this sonnet as my kids went off to school. Now, as my youngest starts his senior year in high school and my oldest starts her junior year in college, there are many aspects of this poem that still resonate with me. And yet, some things have changed.

What's the same:

...Time is still drawing my babies from my arms.

...God still loves them more than I could imagine.

...I would absolutely 100% still rock-a-bye them - guilt free - for hours if I could go back.

...They continue to enter each day new stages of life, where gems of joy and learning await.

What's different:

...Although I'm not a fan of life's "harms", I see that the struggles they have gone through have strengthened them and have grown their faith and mine. Facing trials and tribulations is normal - and I just want them to know they don't face them alone. But, they will face them.

...I (mostly) no longer bemoan the days when "off they go" (okay, maybe sometimes, still, I do). Although I miss them a lot and deeply treasure the wonderful memories I have of when they were little, I am so grateful to see them growing into independent young adults. "Off they go" is something that is supposed to happen. And, as much as it makes me draw a deep breath every time I think about it, I am at peace with that.

Off They Go (April 7, 2013)

It's time that draws my babies from my arms.

These sweet and wide-eyed ones I live and love.

I yearn to keep them safe from this life's harms,

But know they're nurtured more from Him above.

In going back, I'd choose what is sublime,

And rock-a-bye for hours with only joy;

No work, no guilt, no screens that steal my time,

Just basking in my girl and in my boy.

But forward is the path that I must face,

And look for gems of wonder in each age.

To take delight together in each place,

Yes, even when they move to that next stage.

I know my Father's hand moves them to grow,

Yet I bemoan the day when off they go.

© Laura Sohl-Cryer, Sonnet In My Soul