Sometimes I hardly recognize you–
like just now when you got up from your bed
and came down the stairs,
with your little sister trailing along behind,
touched the hem of my skirt
and said that this is one of your favorite skirts I have
that actually it is your favorite
and breathlessly announced
that you would like to have a skirt
like that one day.

When did your hair get so long?

All the beautiful features of your face
grow more defined
day by day.
You have your daddy’s sunflowers
circling the dark insides of your eyes.
You used to be a little whirlwind,
but now you are my extra arms.
Thank you for being so sweet and dear.
I will never forget the moment
I first saw those blue-grey eyes
or the memory
of your first smile,
which I carry in a golden locket
and will always wear
close to my heart.