The First and the Last

for Sara

Standing behind a large leafy tree
unknown to you, I watch
that brave little smile as you
dash away those pearls from little cheeks
rending my heart in two

and then, unknown to you,
I wait by the gate
reading a book to shorten the stretch
of time spent away
near at hand
yet consciously far away.

That was your first day of school
And soon, I know, there will be
a last; when cut loose and winged free
you will dive into life's mysterious caves;
when I will watch as you prepare to zoom away--
those first faltering steps
an uncertain glance over the shoulder
to look back as your perfectly pitched song echoes--
I will watch
with a brave smile and perhaps
a drop -- or two -- to dash off my cheeks.