To My Only Daughter

I’ve walked a line between the light and dark, trod steps where angels even lost their heart. Darkness failed to prevail, it surrendered that winter morning you were born. I’ll find the strength though I’ll sometimes falter, I’ll stand firm despite the sins of a father and I’ll find the courage to let you fall, my only daughter.

I’ve walked a line between faith and doubt, overwhelmed by love and fear in equal amount but there you were in my hands such a tiny life, teaching me what it is to love. I’ll find the strength though I’ll sometimes falter, I’ll stand firm despite the sins of a father and I’ll find the courage to let you fall, my only daughter, my only daughter, my only daughter.

I’ve walked a line much harder than you could know, where childhood’s playgrounds hid both friend and foe. You weren’t there when I fought all my battles. You weren’t there when they made me cry. I’ll make mistakes and I’ll sometimes falter, I’ll doubt myself but not you my father and I’ll pick myself up when I fall, for I’m your only daughter.

(January 2008)