Our children are now friends bringing joys in multiple hues
We admire their decisions while we alter our rigid attitudes
How wonderful the closeness and departure of parental fear
Their affection soothes the soul like stillness on the shore
We lack their context and wisdom we can no longer provide
Instead of relentless persuasion we opt to let them guide
Their ways differ when they lead us on paths unknown
We soak in new adventures pleased our horizon has grown
We are retreating from walking ahead of them to their side
When they reach their goals we beam with grateful pride
Heart stops at the thought we are nearing our childhood days
The story inked when we led our parents through the maze
When we are frail and infirm we know the kids will hold us tight
We ask how will we know to enjoy and not to fight
For now we suppress anxiety and ignore the coming years
Basking in their fashion and soaring above our fears
Photos: At Lake Shrine in Pacific Palisades and Laguna Beach in SoCal