Growing Up

I fear that day

when you realize I am human.

After you were born

and I could lift you to the heavens 

turn you into an airplane

and give you the sky.

After your first day of school

when you came home crying

I told you everything would be okay

and you smiled and believed me.

After your first fight

with the bullies that teased you

I was there to protect you

and you thought me invincible.

After your first car broke down

in the middle of nowhere

when I came to fix it

and you called me your hero.

After you graduated

and were nervous to take on the world

you sought my wisdom

and I had all the answers.

You left to take on the world

and the day you left was bittersweet

but I fear the day you return

and carry problems that I cannot fix.

I fear that day

when I cannot give you the sky

when you will not believe my words

when you realize I am not invincible

when you find other heroes 

when I do not have the answers you seek,

I fear that day, my child, 

when you realize I am human too.