It's hard to let go of childhood
and embrace adulthood completely.
Memories become more and more important
with each passing year that a parent is still alive.
I know my father is elderly
but the essence of our familiar bond
is magically so much the same.
I'll miss him when he's no longer here.
I can't hold onto earlier years
of our beginnings together,
because they have long since been gone.
But, what remains in my heart's memory
has and will continue
to shape and form
my art, my music,
my self expression,
my life...for as long as I live.
~ Patty Ann Smith
