The Door
We took you down to school today,
you’re just beginning now
and even tho’ you’re six years old,
you seem so small, somehow.
We didn’t take you all the way,
for we’ve been told before,
"Don’t go into the room with him,
Just leave him at the door."
Until now we’ve always gone together everywhere,
And always had a lot of fun in going here and there,
But I knew well, before it came, we’re parted more and more,
So many times we’ll stand outside, and you at the door.
You’re growing up so very fast, it’s hard to keep in step,
The pace of changing years is hard for parents to accept.
You’ll have to walk some paths alone, no matter what’s in store
We’ll take you to life’s classroom, and leave you at the door.
While you are ours these tender years
We treasure every day.
Full knowing that the time will come
When you will go your way.
And tho’ our love will still remain
within the heart’s deep core,
Our hearts will ache to see you go
and leave us at the door.
___________________________
by Winnie Apple Newton
Written circa 1974