How dare she say she's not your friend!
He wouldn't share the swing?
Your teacher put you in time out?
You didn't do a thing??

She didn't notice your flowered pants?
They failed to serve dessert?
You're house of blocks, destroyed by whom?
My angel's heart was hurt??

I noticed you eating by yourself
That morning when I showed,
"Oh Mommy! You are here for me!"
Your blue eyes, how they glowed!

Dear God I lose sleep over this!
And she is pushing five?
Dare I ask when puberty awakes,
Will I survive?

Lord, that tears may rarely form
On her most precious face,
And isn't there a way I can protect her
From this place?

"He noticed me! She liked my dress!
The teacher picked me first!
But Mommy! I don't want to leave,"
Her wounds, somehow, were nursed.

Thank you Lord, I whispered then,
While fearing the unknown,
And with that prayer I begged my child,
Would never feel alone.

I worry, ache, yet breath each day,
By knowing you're in charge,
Of her, My love, and when I can't-
I know you'll hold her heart.

Copyright^© Karen O'Connor
Kaorose@cs.com