When I taught you
at eight to ride
a bicycle, loping along
beside you
as you wobbled away
on two round wheels,
my own mouth rounding
in surprise when you pulled
ahead down the curved
path of the park,
I kept waiting
for the thud
of your crash as I
sprinted to catch up,
while you grew
smaller, more breakable
with distance,
pumping, pumping
for your life, screaming
with laughter,
the hair flapping
behind you like a
handkerchief waving
goodbye.

question
PART A: Which statement best identifies the theme of the poem?

A
Learning how to ride a bike and leaving home are both exciting experiences for daughters.
B
Watching their children do new things brings parents nothing but fear.
C
Nothing brings a mother more joy than watching their daughter grow up.
D
Watching their children grow up is both exciting and stressful for parents.