A babe playing in a bathtub
A ragdoll dragged across the floor
So worn out you could see it’s
face no more.
Barbie dolls, ones you loved
Golden Books, Dr. Seuss
First day of school, making new friends
Playing outside, skinned knees sometimes

Junior high school dances, puppy love
romances.     It went by so fast,
finally, high school at last.   Things
were so different but you’d soon
understand.   And when you turned 16,
a smile with the car keys in your hand

I look at you today, no longer a little
girl, but a lovely young woman.  And the
day we’ve waited for has come to pass.
A flowing gown, a tassel and cap.

And when the band began to play
 the traditional song at Graduation time
Not too much of a surprise, when
an unexpected teardrop fell from my eye.

As I congratulate you on a job
well done, my beloved granddaughter,
 there is so much more in your life to come.

Congratulations, Briana.

Mary E. Lacey
2010