Bittersweet

As strongly as the heart yearns

For home, good company, familiarity

So the heart embraces the new

And welcome winds of change

As I ache for the cool touch

Of my mother's weathered fingers

Her clatter in the kitchen

Her halo of protection and comfort

So I stand wide-eyed, excited

For me new-found freedom

Bearing new responsibilities

With a smile and strong stance

As furiously as I cling to

The part of me i left behind

So I let this new person

Find her soul