Mary Nagy - She's Counting Down

Each day
she gives the countdown
till she turns 18
and can move out
and be on her own
and finally have her own space
and her own room.

I pretend
I’m excited with her
for her to find herself
through her independence.
I pretend to share her joy
as that day draws nearer
…now only 382 days!

She’ll be happy.
She’s a strong young woman
head on straight
good grades
no drugs or alcohol
not boy crazy
a beautiful person
inside and out.

She doesn’t know
it hurts me
when she counts those days off.
She has no idea
how I feel inside
when she squeals
with delight
at the thought
of moving away.

I’ll keep pretending.
I know
I’ve done my job well
and she will be something.
She will be productive
and successful
and independent
and she will come back.

Mary Nagy

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/she-s-counting-down/