Isabella

Isabella...

Isabella, please don’t grow up too fast.

Don’t go to the Toddlers class. 

Don’t turn two years old. 

Don’t run yet, you just learned to walk.

Isabella, please don’t grow up too fast.

Don’t stop being picky with your food.

Don’t stop taking long naps.

Don’t stop following Jaleh around. 

Don’t stop coming to me

When I open up my arms. 

Don’t stop smiling at me

When you see me around. 

Don’t stop putting your arms up

When you see me passing by.

Isabella, please don’t grow up too fast.

Let me sit down to play with you one more time,

Let me sing to you this new song I memorized,

Let me tell you that I love you and smile.

Isabella, please just grow up whenever you want.

Don’t listen to my childish fears,

Don’t worry about how I may feel,

Don’t think about your teacher getting sad.

Isabella, please be happy as you grow up.

Seek refugee in your father’s arms,

Ask for help if you are down,

And remember the light even during dark times.

With love, 

For my sweet and little Isabella.

By Madelaine Bustamante