Girl

you'd like to do so much more
than simply point out the way

the vast array
of paths for her to try
to take
to choose from
to live upon and experience
you wish you had the time
the authority
the care
to place your hands softly
upon her shoulders
and help guide her

to success
to happiness
to a sense of freedom
and accomplishment

but as you make your way up
to your own apartment
these thoughts simply trail off

as she half carries
half drags
the bag of trash
out to the garbage