We launched her sister,
like a trial balloon,
into the vast unknown.
The halls of higher learning
summoned,
we obeyed.
With loving zeal we
visited
filed forms
checked dorms
until one day we had lift-off
in the Grand Experiment
of saying goodbye.
Now she waits on deck,
my darling second born,
and tests the winds of change.
College fairs beckon,
catalogs pile high,
invitations fill our mail,
enticing her to
come stretch her wings.
But this time around,
the heart-sore ground crew
hesitates.
Surely once is quite enough
to pay so dear a price.
A silent protest rises up
and begs the question—
can't you stay sixteen forever?