SC+Linda+Pastan's+Higher+Purpose

In the poem, the daughter is about to leave home and take on new challenges and risks. The mom reassures both herself and her daughter that the girl will be able to handle the new challenges. The mother does this by recalling her daughters eight year old triumphant, when mastering her first time riding a bicycle. The mother indicates the daughter will thrive in her new independent life, just as she surprised her mother by triumphing on the bike when she was a little girl. Both the mother and daughter are probably experiencing anxiety during a transition period and a look backward can be reassuring to both of them.

Thoughtful, interesting. Well done, Spencer. This poem is a lovely snapshot of the mother and daughter's past relationship.