Shadowed Celebrant

As your child blows the candle

Your happiness is in a bundle

Your smile widens

As you look to your audience

With that twinkle in your eye

As your child walks by

~

It’s the first birthday you ever planned

It’s the first year you had to stand

From restless nights to morning rush

From wanting to shout but need to hush

~

You had to stand even when you felt weary

You have to stand up for your baby

In between the “so cute” sentences

I wanna say “so strong” to your presence

To the restless nights, you had to go through

To the endless worries, you don’t wanna come true

And as you look into your baby’s eyes

Arise a love that never dies

~

Being a parent is never easy

Something you don’t take lightly

You know you’ll never be perfect

But it’s a role you’ll never neglect

Driven by love for your child

Directed by faith on this ride

~

So as they sing “Happy Birthday”

I wanna say this if you may

You deserve a cake for your hidden tears

You deserve a cheer to lighten your fears

First-year for a child growing

First-year for a parent learning

~

As you and your child begin a journey

Tied with a love and bond for life

That you will forever carry

🤍

Authors Note:

I attended a first birthday party recently and as much as I'm in awe of the cuteness of the child, I was moved by the dedication, commitment and passion of the child's parents in making sure that everything goes smoothly.

Then it dawned on me, they deserve the birthday cake as much as the child does.

The child is growing in age, the couple is growing in becoming parents. Both growing. Both maturing. Both learning.

This poem is for all the parents out there~ ❤️