Growth

I see you ripen from bud into flower,
shedding the past and stretching towards the light;
rising high from wall into tower,
gaining in wisdom and strength with every fight.

The swan that silently sails the waters of sorrow:
is she aware of last year's downs – are we?
You're gliding in eloquent beauty towards tomorrow,
forgetting so much of the person you used to be.

I do not ask, but I guess you would never
want to return to the you of yesterday.
To me you are now as precious as ever –
I've loved you completely every step of the way.