Not like they used to

Your legs wrap around me, but not like they used to. ⠀

They are not as light now and they no longer tuck neatly under my arms and chest. ⠀

Your feet either dangle below my waistline or nearly meet each other on my opposite hip.⠀

Your head burrows into my neck, but not like it used to.⠀

There is not as much room now and it’s only every now and then that you try. ⠀

Your head is bigger than before and increasingly favours the spacious underlay of your cot over the narrowing hollows of my neck. ⠀

Your hands clasp to me, but not like they used to.⠀

They take hold less frequently now, and often try for the lining of my clothing rather than the edges of my skin. ⠀

Your hands are more independent than before and you increasingly use them to communicate your feelings rather than to latch onto mine. ⠀

Your voice pines for me, but not like it used to. ⠀

Your cries are less distressed now and signal far more than a basic need that I know I can provide. ⠀

Your tears flow heavier than before, and I am no longer the only one you want to wipe them away. ⠀

Your eyes follow me, but not like they used to.⠀

They are more easily distracted by their surroundings now, and seek out anything that fills them with wonder.⠀

Your line of vision is wider than before, and indicate your realisation that there is more to life than just me.⠀

You still need me, but not like you used to.

Every part of you is growing, evolving and changing, like it always has. ⠀

You are slowly moving away from me, into your self and into the world, like you must.⠀

But know that while you may outgrow me,

I will continue to remain here for you, ⠀

As I have, ⠀

As you are used to.