Nostalgia Stage Call

by Jemma Chawla

Steamrolled daily by your emerging talents

Since birth, it’s been my job to coach you

One day you’ll play lead

Your very own life production

Unconsciously in rehearsal

No need to audition

Acts played out in front of me

Motherhood matinee

Casting your own cast

You’re growing up too fast

Momentarily slide into my private box

You’re in crisp sharp focus

Spot light is soft

The auditorium snaps me back with roars of ferocious approval

I also applaud you, always

Can I extend the intermission and be delighted by your immaturity a little longer?

I know this confirms your growth

Dependency being swapped for

independent stage direction

Could the stage momentarily

please

stand

still

I’ll be lovingly waiting for what’s to come in your encore

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