timid youngest one
belts out her favorite chorus
shines when she’s on stage

middle girl hidden
by misplaced tall fourth grader
i still hear her sing

it won’t be long now
(and i pinch back dreaded thoughts)
this will be over

my oldest, seated
not with us, but with the friends
she has gained this year

how miraculous
to see her back to herself
facing the world

i faced eleven
in this auditorium
but i didn’t sing

three girls, different tunes
wonder where notes will lead them
back to me, i hope