To a Child Gone

By Carol Lynn Pearson

I thought I was ahead of you in line.

You would take your turn

After I took mine,

Like we did before.

I guess you don’t need new shoes

For starting heaven,

Or a light left on against the dark

The way I always did.

But I’m so used to parenting.

I wanted just to be there—

To do whatever needed to be done.

But you went first.

And now, my little one,

Suddenly you are my senior.

Morning, I know, will come.

But, bring close your light—

This time it is I who fear the night.