Wishing on a Braid

Wishing on a Braid       
By Lorelei Kay, High Desert Branch

Mother-daughter morning ritual,
giggles and wiggles, as I comb
through her long dark hair,

dividing locks into three strands,
while gripping and tugging
at her bobbing head.

First strand over—
How I love
this little girl! 

Second strand over—
I hope she’ll grow tall,
happy and strong.

Third strand over—
Yet how I wish she’d always
stay small!

Braiding strands together
Love—hope—wish. Love—hope—
wish. Love—hope—wish.

Nearing the end of the braid,
I pull all three lines taut
like my heart strings

and push down on her head.
“Please don’t grow up,” I whisper
as I fasten the bow.

But she did.

 

See more from Lorelei Kay on her website
FromMormonToMermaid.com.