As They Grow

When you realize that your children are grown and gone. And, how quickly it happened.

As, they grow-
you never see it coming.
Until, it's, too, late.
Then, comes the true pain and heartache.
Crashing down like waves.
Making you feel;
as, if, you are drowning.
And, maybe, you are drowning-
in your own guilt.
Wondering, if you did a good job?
Will they succeed in life?
Did they listen and pay attention to you-
thru, the years spent together?
Now, that you realize it's, too, late-
what do you do?
You watch them graduate, move out,
go on with their lives.
As, if, you never even existed.
Nor, did the most cherished of memories-
you're left with.
These memories, being what keeps you going-
from visit to visit.
When they decide to drop by-
unannounced, of course.
And, usually, they are in a bigger rush;
then, they were to get the last years of their life over.
Yet, if you aren't careful-
with the slightest slip of the tongue.
You may just push them, away.
Forever.
Unaware.
As, they grow-
farther
and
farther,
away.