The snow glows white on the mountain tonight

Not a footprint to be seen

A kingdom of isolation,

And it looks like I’m the queen.

The wind is howling like this swirling storm inside

Couldn’t keep it in, heaven knows I tried

I could hear you singing “Let It Go” through the walls last night. It wasn’t hard to notice-you were belting it out like your heart would burst if the words didn’t come forth. Then giggles, a bit of commentary, and you started up again. You two didn’t care that you were slightly off key. And if I had slightly squinted my eyes, I could imagine you, standing tall in sparkly dress up shoes, light brown bedhead hair, silky Little Mermaid nightie, adorned with Mardi Gras beads and maybe  touch of mommy’s lipstick.

When’s it my turn?

Wouldn’t I love, love to explore that world up above?

Out of the sea

Wish I could be

Part of that world

Barely reaching my shoulder, your blue eyes sparkled as you twirled, a song tucked inside your for a private audience. For just that instant, you were seven years old in my mind’s eye, just about to realize the power of your voice.

Don’t let them in, don’t let them see

Be the good girl you always have to be

Conceal, don’t feel, don’t let them know

Well, now they know

Let it go, let it go

Can’t hold it back anymore

Let it go, let it go

Turn away and slam the door

Now you’re seventeen. You’re so much taller and stronger, and have replaced silkie nighties with Nike spandex. I gaze up, not down, when we talk. Bed head is hidden behind a messy bun, a delicate silver monogram pendant encircles your slender neck, no lipstick in sight. You are strong and beautiful and everything I ever imagined my daughter could be. And you have found the power of your voice.

It’s time to see what I can do

To test the limits and break through

No right, no wrong, no rules for me

I’m free

Let it go, let it go

I am one with the wind and sky

Let it go, let it go

You’ll never see me cry

In the start gate

Let it go, little girl. You’ve done the work you needed to do. You’ve listened and loved and learned what we’ve been here to teach you. You’ve kept your eyes on your goal, even when you weren’t sure exactly what shape it was going to take. You’ve learned that life isn’t all about taking the same path as everyone else. You feel the power of living life with a balance of fun and dedication. You’re in the start gate of life – a life on your terms. You’re at the top of a challenging course with no chance for inspection. You’ve trained on difficult terrain. You’re well equipped, and now, it’s finally your turn. Let it go, baby girl.  As always, I”ll be on the side of the course, cheering you as you fly by. Kick start and let it go. You’ve got this.

My power flurries through the air into the ground

My soul is spiraling in frozen fractals all around

And one thought crystallizes like an icy blast

I’m never going back,

The past is in the past

Let it go, let it go

And I’ll rise like the break of dawn

Let it go, let it go

That perfect girl is gone

Jennifer Wolfe

Jennifer Wolfe, a writer-teacher-mom, is dedicated to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life by thinking deeply, loving fiercely, and teaching audaciously. Jennifer is a Google Certified Educator, Hyperdoc fanatic, and a voracious reader. Read her stories on her blog, mamawolfe, and grab free copies of her teaching and parenting resources.

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