Love Poem: Growing Up
Regina Mcintosh Avatar
Written by: Regina Mcintosh

Growing Up

I remember…

The little girl words falling from my lips,
In whispers and whimpers, coloring
Light in misty feelings, flowing like the gentle
Music, rhythmic, pulsing – revealing
Where sincerity shakes the hand of serenity,
Bringing dreams to the heart of intimacy,
Inspiring, inviting, illuminating the spirit who believes
In kindness, acceptance, beautiful – majestic
Ideas, feelings, affection that sees through the 
Darkness, into the silence, echoes of solitude,
Never lonelier than in the moment just before
Promises hesitate to complete the sentences of a 
Mom, the one who listens to the whispers,
Whimpers, little mysteries and bruising sympathies,
All the memories and pleasantries, the trivial
And the barely audible, the blinded eye – the whimsical
All the shades of flames and raindrops, dewy eyed
Promises making the heart feel more alive, painted
Light where there had been the blackest of skies

The little girl thoughts, impulsive and so very real,
Repeating hopes and prayers, listening to the trees
Dancing in rustling rhythms, revealing all the songs of
Laughing leaves, oaks and pines – bringing grace
To the spirit who hears make believe fancies pouring
Out the worlds, the gardens, the nations - realms
Where giggles are like a never ending faucet’s dripping,
Trickling kindness and crisp, cool whimseys,
Visions of heartfelt peace, promises in scarlet –
Lavender whispers echoing through the moments,
Brilliant tangerine sunsets and autumn, flaming with
The heat, the reflections of the sun who knows 
Graceful luster, shining like the stars – glistening, burning
Up the yesterdays with reminders, illuminating
The need for adulting, growing older – growing pains,
Delighting in the yearnings, praying – praying
Like the heart has been struck with a trembling word,
A remembrance, a vibrant smile, clever like the miracles
Repeating, replying, wise and warm promises
Like a mom who knows it is time – it is time for the
Light to shine on the soul who knows they have, 
Despite every invitation to reject maturity – they have
Become a part of another generation of grown ups,
Hesitating only for the moment to reflect, memorizing
The past with all its ‘if onlies’ and all its precious
Moments, histories faded, becoming lost among the
Chronicles of a weakened dream, worn out by laughter
Diminished into yesterday’s thoughts, unburdened
By the truth – that was my youth – 
	The little girl has grown into a soul
Who knows that she will never be more honest
Than the moment when she stole a glimpse
Of herself in her mother’s eyes… where she lives
Forever a child, forever a smile, forever precious –
	Just like her mom, forever adored!

She is more than a treasure – she is a prayer who chiseled
Out ‘love’ on the heart of this child who grew up,
Knowing her mother was the blessing only God could have
Allowed her to cherish like she cherishes His saving grace –
The forever that remembers, she will always be embraced
By a love far more beautiful than anything else on earth!