Remember

For my niece Little Miss on her Thirteenth birthday…

Testing boundaries

In ways I

Never imagined

You would

Painting the world

In your unique colors

Like I always

Knew you would.

You’re no longer

A girl

Not quite a

Woman

Carrying

The weight

Of adolescents

With you

Just remember

Be kind

Be gentle

And always

Be safe.

Remember

To let that

Smile shine

And never let

Your light die.

You have a gift