For Anna
Anna
My beautiful daughter,
Today’s a big day.
It’s been such a pleasure,
Watching you make your way.
Beauty in abundance
With intelligence to boot;
How you display character
Definitely suits you.
How I long to hold you,
Keep you safe in my arms.
Yet my spirit surrounds you
And keeps you from harm.
You are everything and more
Than I ever dared ask;
Sweet, patient and loyal,
The top of your class.
You’ve exceeded my dreams
Made my heart swell with pride.
I beg you never forget,
The part of me you hold inside.
I wish you could have seen me,
At your dances and soccer games,
But as the eyes can deceive,
I was there just the same.
I’ve never missed a single breath,
I’ve tasted all your tears.
I hold you near and kiss your brow
To chase away life’s fears.
I feel your joy, your love and pain,
All that you go through.
When loneliness rears it’s ugly head,
Know that I’m here with you.
My love for you consumes me,
With tears of joy I cry.
For you will always be my daughter,
Now spread your wings and fly.
(2009)
I wrote this for my step-daughter on her birthday from her mother's perspective who passed away when Anna was only a year old. I feel every girl deserves to know a mother's love regardless if they are still here. I love her as my own daughter, yet felt she needed this as well.
