Where did my baby go?
It seems like only yesterday
You cooed and played in your crib.
I'm sure it was just last week
I stayed up all night with you
When you had colic.
How could it be seventeen years
Since you tottered across the room
With your first steps?

Instead of a small voice asking,
"Mom, where are you?"
There is only the sound of memories.
No young voice says,
"I'm glad you're home! Guess what happened at school today?".
Now when I come in the door,
No TV is blasting away
(until I turn it on to drown the silence).

There's no more letting dishes go dirty to play "Barbie's".
They are packed away,
Awaiting a new owner to say "Can we have a doll party today?"
No more leaving beds unmade to play childish games.
My beds and dishes now get done with (out) little interference.

Where did my baby go?
While I wasn't looking
She grew into a beautiful young woman.
Her hair in curls instead of "Buffy" tails.
Trendy clothes and shoes and boots
Have replaced t-shirts, torn jeans and dirty sneaks.
Dolls and pets have been replaced
By real live friends, teddy bears and romance books by boys.

Where did my baby go?
Nowhere, she's in my heart
And right beside her is
The lovely young woman she's become

~ Author A. Mother ~