Poetry: Special

 Special

I was special once
When I believed the praise rained down on me
I didn't receive scholarships or job offers or fame
so I had to stop believing

My children, though. They are special
They are all of the best things in life
Rolled up in a giggling, ticklish, cuddly body
I want them to believe they are special and then to know they are special

So I don't tell them 

I show them who they are
I let them try and fail and fall
Then I lift them up, kiss them, and show them they can try again

I give them a love that is full
Not waxing and waning with their moods
I give away the pride that says my child must be the best
And ask them to be good and kind first

I pray that my efforts aren't wasted
That they will see themselves through my eyes

A tender moment, a special moment
I see myself in their eyes
I see myself from my parents' eyes
I see myself from Your eyes

Special could be the word
But there are many more
And they are just words
Not the feelings that inspire them

I don't need the special of the world
For my kids
Or myself
I can see