Riding Away

Time is a callous thing, little one
Only moments ago you were new
Radiant
Wrapped in fresh soft safety
Today, I see that same baby girl
A bigger baby girl
Riding her pink two-wheeled delight in front of my house
So sure of yourself
Just like the other kids, now
The older kids
Pride on your face and wind in your hair
Tears in my eyes
I’m teaching you to steer, pedal
And stop
But I’m learning from you too
Unbeknownst to you
You’re teaching me how to let go of you
Time is a callous thing, little one
“Daddy Watch!” you sing with joy
“Not too fast, baby” I reply
But I’m not talking about the bike
Or your little legs as they propel you up the hill
Away from me
I’m talking about the lesson you’re teaching
The letting go of you
You see, at once I see you now
I see you back then
And I see the day when you’ll ride away for the last time
Time is a callous thing, little one
“Daddy Watch!”
I’ll be watching
I’ll be ready to help up you if you fall down
I’ll be clapping and cheering as you go
Pride on my face and tears in my eyes
Not too fast, baby
‘Cause nobody catches a daddy when his girl rides away
Time is a callous thing, little one