Dear (Future) Daughter

I hope the world shimmers in your eyes,
As if seeing nothing but gold. 
I hope your sadness is like lightning and 
Your happiness is like a summer thunderstorm. 
I hope you can make diamonds out of coal, 
And that joy is no stranger to you. 

May your angels fly higher than 
Your demons' reach. 
May you fill your lungs with air
Before the waves come crashing down. 

You cannot ask for a path 
Completely illuminated by sunlight, 
But may few vines clutch your ankles
And bring you to your knees. 

I wish for you transparent shadows and
A spirit free of vengeance. 
May your never be dragged down
Into the abyss that your enemies have dug,
I hope they do not smudge the colors
On your canvas. 

I pray that you do not sneer 
Into the face of sentimentality, 
And I pray that you find delight
In nostalgia, and in romance. 

May you see the world through lenses of
Clarity and understanding.
May you wish not for war, and thirst not for
A blood that bleeds from the wound of
Spite, and petty hatred,
May you behave like a cornered lion
Only when you are cornered. 

I pray that you know your mother's mistakes,
And not repeat them but
Let them form you into a smarter, 
More powerful woman. 

I hope you see your own beauty. 
I hope that your mirror is not 
A pool of nightmares.
I pray that you seek strength from
Within yourself, not from 
Men, alcohol, or things. 

I hope that I die before you,
Sweet girl. 
I hope that you go peacefully,
Old and wrinkled,
A life of love and happiness 
Trailing behind you.

I pray that you will love
Even half as much 
As I will love you. 

Author's Note

I think about her a lot.

Reviews

[dan]

This is a beautiful reflection of the things wished for in anticipation of a child. All prospective parents have wishes, but few take the time, or have the ability, to list them so eloquently. If this is really about a daughter you will be having I can only wish that all of your wishes come true for her, and in turn, may YOU always feel loved. I don't usually give a rating of 100, but I am now. Simply beautiful, Falling Leaf! take care...dan

[Lizardo]

Such a beautiful poem, it's wonderful!
I love the last line, made me think about love...
Great piece of work!

[Valentine]

You think about a child that is not born yet? One that possibly could be a boy? I like the things that you are thinking you want from yourself and from the child. In the real world, we are often struck with a child that can be mentally challenged, crippled, a drug addict, a drinker, etc. All a mother can do is the very best she can and pray for God's help raising a family. Dreams are sweet, facing reality when it comes is much harder. God help you when it ever happens. Valentine

[♥ Ari Skye ♥]

I love this. i believe all of us women (who want to be mothers), wish this for their future children. I know it's something I would definately say to my daughter. Especially the part about not making the same mistakes as your mother and finding happiness within yourself and not men, or alchol. I wish I would have done that...
Very good work. A beautiful piece!

[wordman]

this is a beautiful prayer and tribute for your daughter