Sentry At The Door

letting go

When you were little
I gathered you close
wrapped in silk to prevent
tarnishing of body and soul.
At night I barred evil,
sat sentry at your door
ears tuned to the dulcet rhythm
of your breathing.
Who were these demons
who might take you from me?
Let them kill me first.

Now you have outgrown
the confines of silk,
have cast away my services
and unlocked the door.
The demons hold no fear for you,
you have taken flight
and left an unbearable silence in your wake.

Reviews

[Harmony Lee]

As someone who has never myself experienced parenthood firsthand, this beautiful and bittersweet piece allowed me a glimpse into the world of it. I am somewhat at a loss for words. Thank you.

[John Phoenix Hutchinson..]

Excellent write. Really enjoyed this....must go read your other work now!

[SpitfireGrrrl]

"...and left an unbearable silence in your wake." Perfect! I can't think of a better way to capture that feeling.

[New Dawn]

yes - with a house full of children you sometimes crave silence - only to find that when you get it it is the most unnatural sound in the world

[Neville]

I really like this work of yours & can truely empathise with you having been there and done it myself for many years twice before. Thank you, All Good Things, Neville

[New Dawn]

thank you so much - its the letting go thats the tough part and realising they no longer consider your opinion to be the only one. I guess we should take solace in the fact they have the confidence to leave.

[Neville]

Absolutely my friend. N

[Dr. Wood ?]

pain and achievement all rolled up in one bundle

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

Oh, my heart resonates with this one. It is a time that comes naturally, and we know it will. When it does it seems as you describe here, but to see them rise is an unbelievable joy. Simply magnificent.

[New Dawn]

Thanks Claire - it is an amazing journey from them relying on you for every minute of the day to that teenage stage where they like to pretend they have no parents at all, and it all happens in the blink of an eye.

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

And then you get to the twenties and they are on their own. It is amazing to
experience.

[...]

. beautifully written ... a mother's heart beats in your words ... i loved the title ... and you did infinite justice to it in your piece ... i wish you all the resilience you need to bear that "unbearable silence" ...

[New Dawn]

thank you serah for the lovely review :)

[...]

. you're very welcome, dear shelley ... you're a lovely, loving mother and it's a privilege to read you :) ...