My dearest daughter,
I’ve watched over you from the moment you first opened your eyes,
And you clasped my finger in your tiny hands.
Your laugh reminds me of the soft music
Heard when cool water plays over smooth pebbles.
I would watch as you learnt to walk,
Stumbling about every two steps, as you gazed wide-eyed at your surroundings,
Amazed with delight.
Eventually, you discovered the wonder of forming meaningless sounds
Into meaningful words,
And then you’d talk for hours on end, cheerful and unabashed,
While I would cry with laughter.
… Your baby phase is wearing off, you are a little more mature.
Yet you still retain a child-like sensitivity…
You are thirteen now- most of your time is spent with your friends.
Your room, once filled with toys- now, the shelves
Are lined with bottles of cosmetics.
And I see you slipping away…
…inch by inch…
…For at sixteen, you are no longer a child.
This much I know. You are nearly a woman.
But that doesn’t help make it easier.
It’s eighteen years
to the day I first held you in my arms.
You’ve graduated high school and
you’re on your way.
Taking your first big step in life.
Just as you did when you were one.
Eleven years have passed since you left for university.
(This is the hardest part,
For I swore not to cry).
But it’s a promise I can’t keep,
No matter how I try
We are waiting for the doors to open,
You clasp my arm- jittery, nervous.
I tell you, don’t worry, for you are beautiful
In your white wedding gown.
And when you smile, all at once,
You’re my little girl again.
And I’m escorting you down the aisle,
Unable to hide my pride,
Because for me, as your father, there’s nothing harder
Than letting you go.
