Maybe it's because I'm getting ready to teach this poem to 8th grade soon (it goes along with The Outsiders ), but when we realized that today is Caiden's "golden" birthday, this poem quickly came to mind. It can have multiple meanings, but today, I'm reminded that Caiden's time here with us, as a child, is fleeting. Turning 18 means he is just about ready to launch into life beyond the walls and roof of this house. 18 years, at times, has seemed like forever, but it also feels as though it has slipped through our fingers so quickly - only an 'hour', maybe? Happy birthday, Caiden! Go be your independent, logical, intelligent self and do all the things! We are looking forward to what this transitional, in-between age holds for you. You were never meant to stay small, of course. It's the beginning of a new golden 'hour' for you! Goodness, what did we know??!