A poetic letter from a mother to her daughter (and to the younger self within us all), exploring resilience, empathy, and how to navigate life’s calm waters and rapids with grace. A tender reflection on growth, darkness, and remembering why we came here.

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“The River”

Written by Shelly Moore Caron

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My sweet girl – do not stagger in your stance.

The world watches for a wobble, eager for its chance.

Stand strong in your word, stronger still in your mind;

Don’t believe for one second that because you are kind

life will play gently, all sugar and sun…

Your light calls to shadows, but please – do not run.

Darkness will test you, try to snuff out your flame;

Square your shoulders, love. Remember your name.

It’s not fair, love, I know – but don’t harden your heart.

This world needs souls like yours, both tender and smart.

Darkness is easy – a downward slide;

All it takes is apathy, stepping aside.

Kindness is labor in a landscape of pain,

but hearts like yours help life blossom again.

I wish I could promise reciprocity,

but I can’t – so please, just don’t ask it of me.

There will be sorrow and grief you can’t mend,

braided between moments of joy that help you ascend.

Ride the ebb and the flow as a canoe rides a river;

Meet calm currents softly, let rapids deliver

whatever they must for you to learn and to grow.

I don’t always know why, love – we weren’t meant to know.

Not here. Not yet. But there will come a day

when we’ve said all our words we needed to say.

Then, as our bodies dissolve at their own perfect time,

you’ll remember your reason – and I’ll remember mine.

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