I am always there at the start
But I fade away when things get hard
Every laugh I collect as my own,
But when you cry
I am too busy to catch your tears.
I cuddle and nurse you in my arms
But when you become too heavy
I set you down
And leave you in the dark.
I see all these parents
So proud of their children,
Displayed on shelves
Or read aloud.
But,
I hide you away.
You never leave the house
You don’t have
Friends
To call your own.
I am only present
When our hands are touching
I will drive away
As soon as you start walking
Because I am afraid
Of how much you look
Like me.