S.t..r..e...t...c....h

The rubber band starts completely contracted
not realizing how life will be impacted.
Parents & children housed safely inside,
leaning on the Lord & intuition as guide.

Unaware of all the means of danger-
accidents, choking, or a luring stranger.
Time's hourglass of sand marches steadily on,
the band stretching further with each breaking dawn.

The slack, it wanes with each new phase
as we travel thru life's most intricate maze.
While somehow thinking they can go untouched...
to any shred of innocence we're firmly clutched.

Too soon it's driving & independent thought,
puberty, fitting in ~ the band becomes taut.
Enabling more self-guided decision
while worrying about their clouded teenage vision.

At times we reflect on a memory, remiss;
other moments we enjoy with euphoric bliss.
To shorten the band is our selfish ambition
while breaking it is their sole, concerted mission.

Void of all stretch, about to burst
maturity in place that can't be reversed...
Knowing full well the training is done,
we cut them loose to adulthood begun.