she was three days old
at my high-school graduation
three years old when we watched
A Bug’s Life together
and now eighteen
and driving
and graduating today
about to embark on the world
nervous and unsure
but so beautiful
oh, so beautiful

she is gorgeous on the inside
and gorgeous on the outside

i wish for her
to always love herself
as much as she is
loved by everyone

My niece Maddie is graduating high-school today. How can it be? How can it be?

–AJM