Leave-taking

We’d said goodbye, were at the door
When my favorite little boy
Came running with just one last hug,
The kind I most enjoy.

“You can’t leave, Nana. I won’t let you!”
Clinging to me, tight.
I’m sure he knew I couldn’t stay
But hoped with all his might.

Such moments cannot be compared
With anything I know
Especially since they don’t last
As children age and grow.

Yet as we clung together,
Knowing we would have to part,
I smiled inside, convinced I’d etched
A place inside his heart.