i still remember
the first night
we brought her home
she lay crying
in her bassinet
until i cradled
her close to me
the entire night

i remember racing
to the hospital
and hearing her
heartbeat and in
that moment knowing
i would fight god
to keep her safe
that i was wrapped
around her little
finger for life

today she graduates
and i sit sobbing
because that little
girl with long blonde
hair is a woman now
about to get her
diploma and i am so
fucking proud of her
but i need eighteen
more years to be close
to being able to
let her finally go

you and your brother
gave me a reason to
fight when the world
insisted on beating me
it does that relentlessly
but you’re stronger
smarter and prepared
to make it your own
and i will be right here
cheering you on through
every up and down

each day i think
i could not love you
more than today
yet every day since
the very first has
proven me so very wrong
my absolute proudest
accomplishments of
this turbulent life
both call me their father

you grab that diploma
my beautiful baby girl
i’ll be right there
unable to see through
a veil of the happiest
saddest tears ever cried
celebrating the beginning
to your grand adventure
whatever you choose to do
the hearts you touch
will always light the way

you are spectacular
the world is a better
place because you’re in it
i just need eighteen
more years to be able
to begin to let go
of my little angelface