Seventeen

I remember long ago,
not too long though it seems.
Facing life ahead of me,
just barely seventeen. 

I made a lot of choices,
good and bad,the world was mean!
I got knocked down but stood back up,
confused by life's smokescreen.

Not quite grown though not a child, 
my life ahead, such dreams!
I thought that I had learned it all
at barely seventeen. 

Mistakes, boy I made plenty.
I learned a lot from these.
So much joy, so many tears,
and such calamities. 

Now look at me a mother!
A treasure unforseen,
and my baby has a birthday!
It's YOU who's seventeen. 

So as you reach this milestone,
and start to plan your dreams,
I wanted to say thank you,
for all you've given me.

The joy, the pride, the sorrow,
for knowing soon you'll leave.
The trust you've never broken,
you taught me to believe. 

My heart it bursts inside me!
Today you are a queen.
Happy birthday darling daughter,
on this, year SEVENTEEN!! 

Mom