The last time I called you.
You didn't answer.
The last time I needed you.
You weren't there.
Because you aren’t here.
Not your fault. But still unexpected.
If absence is eternal, I pray it's peaceful.
But also know, I toil more today.
The world never felt that big
While you were shaping mine —
And then guiding mine —
And then cheering mine.
But now it feels massive.
Every action unfolds pathways
Of infinite variations, each
As exhausting as the last.
I couldn’t wait to grow up,
But always with the knowing
That you would carry me to my room
When I was too weary to walk alone.
Grown me is a more honest me.
Honestly, I still need you.
Even just to validate the things
I already do, rooted in my truth.
It is because I love you
That I persist;
you’ve earned the rest.
Now it’s my turn to carry you.
Your example forms my feet
Sure, steady, and purposeful.
And your love forms my arms
Strong, warm, and reassuring.
Equipped with these, I carry you —
In each moment I choose to live
In each new memory I make
In each step I choose to take forward.