My Daughter

I wipe October frost
from the kitchen window pane
and I see you walking
down the yellow lane,
leaves crunching
under your leather loafers,
new pennies winking in the sun,
books in a bundle,
ponytail swinging,
tiny voice singing,
on the first day of school.
You turn and wave
goodbye.
Much later
through the same window
I see you returning,
your arms full of babies,
your mouth full of lullabies.
You wave hello,
and I realize
you have finally completed
the full
circle of life.