Flowers and a plastic flower shaped box
Sat on the kitchen table, with a bow
And a card
I was 12 and my mother left me a birthday surprise
In pink and gold wrapping paper
Hiding beneath the flowers
Sat a little package, heavy and rectangular
Slowly and meticulously I pulled each edge open
Without tearing the paper, I opened the gift
Inside was a thick book with a shiny blue cover
And inside my mother wrote a note to me,
About growing older in age and spirit
About how much she loved me and
About how this book would help
Turning twelve and taking on new responsibilities
Middle school crushes, first kisses, and womanhood