You have grown so suddenly,

Into the shoes that even I don't

Fit into, and your smile is

Sometimes so adult. As if you've

Taken on an entirely new appearance,

At least twenty more years, and

So much wisdom. Was I not watching?

And balance your homework, your friends'

Homework, between your fingers

And in truth, you're still just twelve.

Sometimes, I forget.

The door, your little frame shaking

Out of your tight-lipped expression.