Little Girl

For my daughter on her birthday a while back

Little girl, age four

Meeting me for the first time

I did not know

How you would change my life

Little girl, age five

Off to school for the first time

Playing with your friend

As I make friends with his parents

Little girl, age six

A Girl Scout for the first time

Never wanting to go

Yet never wanting to leave

Little girl, age seven

Watching Halloween for the first time

Telling us you were okay

As you burst into tears

Little girl, age eight

A Mason Comet for the first time

Making me proud

With your reading skills

Little girl, age nine

Riding a bike for the first time

All alone you circled

A huge grin across your face

Little girl, age ten

Kings Island season passes for the first time

Making your mum take you

Over and over on the same rides

Little girl, age eleven

Middle schooler for the first time

Feeling awkward as most do

Around that age

Little girl, age twelve

In love for the first time

Your funny close-up pictures

And always make me smile

Little girl, age thirteen

What will this year bring?