I’ll Never Get This Time Back (You’re Only Little Once)

As I watch your tiny body waddle down the street,
Stopping to examine each new rock you see,
I try to memorize this simple moment in my mind,
Draw it close and embrace it—my attempt to freeze time.
 
Right now I don’t get out much, everyone agrees.
Used to drink and sing Shania, wild nights of karaoke.
And let’s face it: my hair and nails could use some TLC.
Can’t remember the last time I drank my coffee silently.
 
But the bars will always be there, wine waiting for me.
Movie theatres will still be standing when you’re seventeen.
I’ll get back to it all some day, but for now I’m busy
Singing songs, playing dress-up and hugging my baby.
 
It won’t be long now before you’re heading off to school,
Exploring, making friends, and maybe breaking rules.
One day you’ll be long-legged, too big for me to hold.
You’ll be teenage angst in braces, telling me I’m old.
 
So I’ll cherish every hour we spend singing lullabies
Rocking you close, your cheek pressed against mine
We are attached—child to mother, every minute together,
And in my heart I know this intensity will not last forever.
 
‘Cause I’ll never get this time back with you, you’re only little once,
And no matter what I do, I can’t stop you from growing up.
So I’ll cherish every moment I feel your chubby hands in mine
I’ll hold you close for hours and remember: we only have this time.