You’ll Always Have My Heart
A child not more than five years old, sat glumly in his chair,
His mother watched, not far away, as silence filled the air;
The teacher said, “Oh, he’ll be fine. It’s best if you just go.”
“The first day is a little tough ... but he’ll adjust, you know.”
She looked toward her son, and saw the sadness in his eyes,
“It’s just as tough for me.” she said ... “I never liked goodbyes.”
The teacher smiled, and told her, “Let him know it won’t be long.”
“He’ll handle it much better, if he knows that you are strong.”
His mother laughed, “I know, you’re right ... I’m just as bad as him.”
Then asked to have a piece of paper, and a colored pen;
She drew a heart on bright pink paper, as she formed a plan,
Then folded up the piece of paper, lovingly, by hand.
She walked up to her son, she knew that it was time to go;
“I’m sorry hon,” she said to him, “I won’t be far you know.”
“But mom ...” he whispered, “Please don’t leave ... I wish that you would stay.”
She mustered up her strength, and smiled, “I won’t be far away.”
She gave her son a hug, and brushed away his falling tear,
“You may not always see me, but I’ll always be right –here-”,
With that she took his trembling hand, and held it to his chest,
“That’s where I’ll be when we’re apart ... let’s do a little test.”
She handed him the pink florescent paper that she had,
And tucked it in his pocket, “You just use this when you’re sad.”
“Let’s try it now, pretend I’m gone ... just close your eyes my dear.”
He looked at her, with trust (although she saw a twinge of fear).
He closed his eyes, his lips began to tremble, and she said,
“Just picture me within your mind,” (but saw his look of dread);
His eyes popped open, and she laughed, “You’re cheating, that’s not fair!”
He smiled, and closed his eyes again, and squirmed within his chair.
He heard her stand ... he panicked, and his eyes opened again,
“I’m right behind you ... close your eyes, and try to count to ten”;
He did as he was told, and when he finished, heard her say,
“Just reach into your pocket now, and you will be OK.”
He opened up the paper, saw the heart his mom had drawn,
“But mom, I know you’re standing right behind me ... you’re not gone!”
She laughed and said, “Remember son ... we’re never far apart ...”
“I’ll always stand behind you, and you’ll always have my heart.”
“I have to go, are you alright?” She hugged her little man,
“Now you be strong, I’ll see you soon ... and don’t forget our plan!”
He kissed his mom, and watched her go, she turned and said “Goodbye.”
He folded up the paper, and she heard his heavy sigh.
She watched him from the classroom window, just a little while,
Each time he pulled the bright, pink paper out ... she gave a smile;
He never lost that piece of paper, always kept it close ...
And pulled it out as he grew up, each time he’d need her most.
Now time had passed, and here he stood, a tear fell from his eye,
He saw her resting peacefully ... their final last goodbye;
He reached into his pocket, as he felt his growing fears,
Then grasped the piece of paper that had faded through the years.
He closed his eyes and started counting, all the way to ten,
Until he felt her gentle presence standing there again;
A peaceful calm enveloped him, he brushed away a tear,
He knew that though he could not see her, she was always near.
He heard her voice begin to whisper ... “Son, we’re not apart ...”
“I’ll always stand behind you, and you’ll always have my heart.”