As she stood on the back verandah,
tall, lissom, and full of life,
smiling and waving goodbye,
her hazel eyes gleaming with oncoming destiny
saying,"Mum, don't cry" as I tried to stem the tears
welling in my eyes and miraculously succeeding.

This is her triumph, I have to let her go,
to live her own life cut the umbilical cord
and let her free to find her way
without the shelter of a mother's arms
to protect her from life's vicissitudes.
Let her fly like a magnificent eagle spreading its wings
surveying this earth for opportunities.

With one last look at my cherished first-born
I turn away and unclick the latch on the russet door,
Walking proudly onto the street where cars speed by.

No longer did I need one more glimpse of my beautiful daughter
whom I knew who would be still standing on the verandah
just in case her distressed mother returned for one last kiss and a hug.
Now fully grown and on the brink of embracing her destiny,

  My daughter had turned into a warrior.
Not armed with weapons of destruction  but with knowhow
to heal the sick and endeavour to make all well.
Take care, my brave, clever daughter 
you will survive the ordeals set in your path.