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A poem by Shubham Agarwal
[24.5.97]
You opened your eyes for the first time today,
And I swear at that moment it was the happiest I have ever felt. I looked up at your dad,
And we knew we'd give everything
For you to have the best life.
The past nine months
Of sleepless nights had driven me insane,
But the sight of something this beautiful,
It was worth all the pain.
As your dad fixed the baby seat,
I realized our home was now complete.
[5]
Your first day of school.
I remember how I didn't want to share you with the world, And how you didn't want to leave me,
How you wailed,
Like every other child there
And I couldn't bear
To see you like that,
So I let your dad drop you to school,
Hoping I wouldn't be the one,
You thought was cruel.
The five hours felt like five days,
And I remember how proud I felt,
When you came back,
With a smile on your face.
[14]
Your first day of high school.
Your hair spiky, pants low,
Trying to fit in, be cool,
And hence
The Mommy had turned into Mom.
You were a growing man then,
Full of hormones, adolescent.
You were rude with me at times,
Speaking out of place
I didn't mind though,
I knew, like high school,
It was just a phase.
But nevertheless, these were important years ahead, And without the slightest doubt, I knew
You were becoming a man of value.
[18]
It's time for you to leave for college.
Your dad and I, we were breaking inside.
But on the outside, there was nothing but pride.
I knew you'd come back after four years,
But there was no controlling my tears.
As we stood on the porch
And saw you leave,
Thinking the bird had finally flown out of the nest
Not realizing where the time flew,
Home was once home
And you took it with you.
Words by Shubham Agarwal
Image by Ben Lewis Giles