Your hands were small when they first found me Your feet could barely reach the floor You built a kingdom from the blankets And made me guardian of the door You grew through birthdays, shoes, and questions Your voice changed slowly with the years I watched your world become much wider And held your ordinary fears Even when you grow up, I’ll stay the same With crooked eyes and patient arms While every season changes your reflection I’ll keep the shape that brought you calm You traded picture books for homework Then homework for a working day The stars upon your bedroom ceiling Were painted over shades of gray You learned to drive beyond our neighborhood You packed your childhood in a case But when you visited on weekends I saw the child behind your face Even when you grow up, I’ll stay the same I will not ask what you became No title printed on a business card Could ever change the way I say your name Your hair may gather threads of winter Your laugh may deepen, warm and low The mirror may record the distance But I remember long ago I’ll never tell you, “Act your age now” Or ask you to outgrow your heart The bravest adults still need somewhere They can safely fall apart If someday your own room feels unfamiliar And life moves faster than you planned Come find the friend who never hurried Who still fits gently in your hands My colors may be less impressive A seam may need another thread But I will keep our oldest promise Beside your grown-up bed Even when you grow up, I’ll stay the same Not trapped in time, but standing true A quiet piece of who you once were Still making all the journey with you
