Pink Yesterdays

How can it be that when
I bent to kiss you good night,
My daughter, a beautiful young woman,
Lay where only yesterday
A little girl had been?


When did the barrettes and
Ponytail ribbons
Of birthday party days give way to the
Styling comb and make up mirror
Of Saturday night dates?


Was it only yesterday,
Crayons of all colors laid upon the table
Where now bottles of nail polish rest?


How can it be the buggy you filled
With so many dolls
Has been pushed aside and new suitcases
Are filled instead?


Did you ever know the finger you wrapped yourself
around was tied right to my heart?
It seems as though the ink has just dried
on the pages of your baby book
And here we are laughing over pages
In your year book.


How did the ballet slippers of a little girl
Become the high heels of a young woman on her way?
Such a little while ago you cried,
"Mommy, I'm scared", and now you whisper,
"Mom, don't worry I'll be fine."


When did the teddy bear you hugged all night
Become the photo of someone
you've chosen for life?


How can it be the smell of baby powder
Turned instead to the scent of perfume...
The giggles of a little girl
Became the tears of a teen,
And the roses tiny fingers picked
Were treasured like the petals of a prom bouquet?


Wasn't it only yesterday ruffles and tea parties
Coloured my world pink and today
A new address and a good bye kiss stain my world blue?


How did it happen so quickly?
When I stop to realize all my golden tomorrows
I will bask in the memories of pink yesterdays.
Thank you Lord for pink yesterdays.

~ Alice Collins