daughter

Strikingly fast time
has passed
thinking hard about all
the lessons you need to know
and learn from me
before time goes
away completely

wanting you to know
how timeless are the times
when
i watched you sleep
not so creepily but beautifully
and peacefully
breathe
gazed often in amazement
at your lust and energy
for life

the laughter you've brought us
from just weeks after
your beautiful birth
that smile, so infectious

Taking all your precious
qualities
so innocent and brave
please keep them close
don't lose yourself
love yourself, like I love you
from the inside out
challenges will surely come
and
go
in the throws of life
so trivial though
in hindsight
you will see
time will help you see
how you can overcome
greatest odds

intellectual challenges
will surface around
corners unseen
choices are yours
even if they suck
you always have a choice
to move yourself
forward

I watch and wait for you
to grow
hoping to stop you

mid-way through
you
slow down and wait with
me a while
while i catch my breath

what i tell you today
doesn't really matter
because you will learn
and develop your own
life
perspectives
for the most part.

Know that we care
whoever you are
whatever you do
we will be here for you
for you to hug
feel safe
feel loved
no matter what
no judgement will
lay at the door
of your family.