She Seeks the Woman

This was written exclusively for my daughter, which would be why some of the lines mean nothing except to her and me.

There once was a day

When she worshiped his laugh

She longed to be with him

Held tight in his grasp

 

He closes his eyes

And can see her before him

That four year old girl

That used to adore him

 

They played in her room

They walked hand in hand

They went to the zoo

They dug in the sand

 

Wall to wall Barbies

Room filled with balloons

Down the stairs on a blanket

Rugrats cartoons

 

He didn’t notice it happen

He doesn’t know when

That four year old girl

Became suddenly ten

 

They went on adventures

She learned to ride bikes

Rollerskates, Pokemon

Cat in the Hat hikes

 

He closes his eyes

And can see her before him

That ten year old girl

That used to live for him

 

They search for the weasel

They build Barbie’s home

Britney, the Spice Girls

A cruise ship to roam

 

What happened to all

Those years in between?

That ten year old girl

Is turning thirteen

 

She’s too old for Barbie

Her world’s now PG-13

And he misses the girl

He bounced on his knee

 

He closes his eyes

And can see her before him

The thirteen year old girl

Starting to ignore him

 

She’s seeking the woman

She’ll one day become

Why must it be now?

So soon and so young

 

He didn’t see it coming

It was never foreseen

That thirteen year old girl

Has just turned sixteen

 

He longs to be with her

But she’s left him alone

Her friends more important

Her ipod, her cell phone

 

He wishes they could talk

But he doesn’t know how

Each time that he tries

It turns ugly somehow

 

Why does he holler?

Why does he yell?

He just wants to love her

Instead he puts her though hell

 

He never means to

It’s not his intention

He’s afraid it’s too late

To give her redemption

 

The hurt that she feels

He can’t kiss and make better

Each time that he tries

Her pillow gets wetter

 

Where once was such closeness

Is now hurt and pain

If he could just take it back

And start over again.

 

He closes his eyes

And can see her before him

The sixteen year old girl

That he’s made to abhor him

 

She cries in ways

He can’t understand

He can’t know her pain

She won’t take his hand

 

He cries in ways

She’ll one day understand

She wants to grow up

But he still wants to be Dad

 

He finds himself sitting

Alone in her room

Remembering the days

That left him too soon

 

Forever and always

She was right by his side

The seat is now empty

Too often he’s cried

 

He still has his memories

Tucked away in a box

Her first fallen tooth

Her first pair of socks

 

Artwork that used to

Hang on his walls

A stitch from her chin

Her favorite dolls

 

He gently touches each one

And his heart starts to burn

Because he finally knows

His baby can never return

 

She seeks the woman

That she’ll one day become

He just wants to be Daddy

And have her stay young

 

He loves her so much

She’s his precious pearl

But she seeks the woman

And he misses the girl

 

 

 

 

I’m so sorry that I didn’t end up

being the Daddy that you always hoped for.

But you are the daughter I always hoped for.

Reviews

[lovejulez03]

Wow, this is beautifully written and so easy to relate to! You can never truly understand what it's like to be a parent until you're grown and/or a parent of your own. It made me sad to read this, but at the same time it was inspiring me and reminded me of how hard it is to grow up and what a mixture of emotions comes with having a child. I loved it!

[Magdelena]

Oh my Lord. The tears... This made me cry. You spoke volumes in here. Just fantastic..

Mags xx

[robyn.alexandra]

So sweet with it's simple beauty. Great flow. It speaks volumes to me, it's like my father and I's relationship, Bravo!

[Doreen]

Oh, wow you made me cry. This is so sweet and so sad. It pulled me in and I couldn't stop reading. Well written and not a word out of place. I have to go get a tissue now. Excuse me....

[.]

the rhyme scheme is lovely..I know this so well, although I am sure different from a womans perspective..it's executed really good, as you lead the reader through the years and then onto how the relationship changes for her but not for you so much..a painfully melancholy piece I am sure many can relate to..

Painfully as it may be ..you have to let them grow up and enjoy them as an adult as much as you did as a child.

[Tate Morgan]

Damn beautiful and my favorite quatrain ABCB I write this way all the time
An Honest portrayal of the truth and I cant say it didnt hurt to read I believe the best work comes of pain not happiness.I remember the day Mine left for school here was her barbie jeep beside her car And I thought like you It cant be over It just started ,

[Stacey]

You are the Daddy she will always love...it takes time, trust me:) I didn't understand for the longest time. My father has two daughters and has always said there is no love that compares to a fathers love for his daughter. Today I believe him...he's the most wonderful man I know and my hero! Your love for her her in this verse is heartfelt, warm and tender. Watch her grow and become this amazing woman...you will always be Daddy! The one she runs to for comfort and support. This is a stunning verse Jim! You made me smile:)

[PadfootBlack]

This is beautiful, and cutting, and real. I feel the emotion behind the peice.

[Liza]

awww this was so sweet and so touching; its a gift to be a father and cultivate her wings; the unconditional love a baby gives is magical but as the baby grows mental development and understands her choices that affection takes a different direction which is sad but natural circle of things it seems..

[luciddreamer]

Oh my this brought tears to my eyes...and I must say is one of the only beautiful writings I have read from a father to his daughter.....bravo, bravo, just beautiful...

Peace
Robin

[Jennifer Lenhardt]

beautifully touching. i hope you were able to share this with your daughter. i know, they grow up so fast.