His passage threads

through dark waters,

Tipsy boat,

Tunnel monsters;

Maternal concern

glues me to the entrance..

I grip rails by the fence

with

knuckles white.

He shouts,

"It's alright!"

He disappears inside the cave.

I fly to the other side

to save--

he emerges, brave and thrilled--

I shudder, chilled.

His one-seat

park ride

and my nightmares

Coincide.

With triumph,

my son emergences.

Freedom makes our paths

converge.

I stifle the urge to smother him

with my desire to mother him

when his need

at this pause

is encouragement and applause.