All the parenting books
say to let them fail
and I really try,
as they arrive late
and say the wrong things
and run downhill,
tripping halfway,
testing the durability
of their skin.
But as my heart
flops against my throat
like a panicky fish,
I realize
it is the wrong advice.
Our children know exactly
how to fail,
it is us
who needs permission:
to let ourselves
trust.