First Day Of School

She started school this morning,
And she seemed so very small,
As I waited there beside her
In the kindergarten hall.

And as she took her place beside
The others in the class,
I realized how all too soon
Those first few years can pass.

Remembering, I saw her as
She first learned how to walk,
The words that we alone made out
When she began to talk.

This little girl so much absorbed
In learning how to write!
It seems as tho' she must have grown
To girl-hood overnight.

My eyes were blurred but hastily
I brushed the tears away,
Lest some word or sign of mine
I mar her first big day.

Oh, how I longed to stay with her
And keep her by the hand,
To lead her through the places
That I couldn't understand.

And something closely kin to fear
Was mingled with my pride,
I knew she would no longer be
A baby at my side.

But as she must have her chance to live,
To work her problems out,
The privilege to grow and learn
What life is all about.

And I must share my little girl
with friends and work and play;
She's not a baby anymore--
She started school today.

author unknown