piano bench

my daughter asks

me to sit with her

when she sits

down to

practice piano.

every time.

tonight after

she was in bed

i tucked in the

piano bench

under the keys.

and i thought

ten years into the

future.

she won't ask me

to sit by her

then.

these days will

pass like the

vapor they are.

and she will grow 

into a woman

who plays her own

songs.

without

me.

that's what we

raise her

to be.

capable.

competent.

grown.

so for just a

little longer

i will sit next

to you

while you play.

i will brush your

hair after your

shower

and tuck you in

nice

and tight.

i will kiss your

girl cheeks

and pray you

don't wake

a woman

too soon.

xoxo