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!

[Cherrie Palmer]

our children will always be 7 in our hearts when kisses and cookies could fix the world

[Cherrie Palmer]

...But she seeks the woman And he misses the girl... the struggle of life summed up in two lines. Great poem I loved it

[kmcelroy]

Crying, thanks a lot, now I am crying. Mascara streaming down my face. Very nicely written. Hits a strong nerve for any one who has a daughter and who once was the daughter.

[Loner]

Excellent Write ...... such flow showing emotions of father and daughter
awesome write.

[LA Lorena]

your sentiments are so well and lovingly expressed, any parent can feel this write, where it counts. some minor changes could greatly improve the flow and rhythm of the poem, but the ideas expressed are perfect as they are.

[~ Czarina Iris ~]

This brought tears to my eyes. The emotions throughout are so strong, it's unbelieveable. I never had a father anywhere close to the one you were to your daughter. I'm actually a little jealous. She's very lucky to have you.

[Denise]

awww this is such a sweet, sweet poem! I'm sure you ARE the daddy that she has always hoped for! My favorite line: But she seeks the woman, And he misses the girl.
nice flow and the rhymes just roll right off the tongue.

[floarealbastra10]

wow this is so heartfelt, i love it

[iamkim]

wow! this poem is so amazing! I hope your daughter would read this.
I was hesitant to read this poem at first because of its length, too long poems loses my drive to read, but when I started reading the lines, I have felt different emotions. Love, sadness, happiness.
Now I'm thinking of my Dad, is that what he also feel towards me? I never came to the point of appreciating all his effort and sacrifices. Thanks for sharing this to me, I have realized something :)

PS: I'll call my dad later :P

[Dragonslayer57]

Your poem was so emotional for me that I cried. I think most parents are never ready for thier beloved children to grow up. Keep writing like this and I'll cry at every single read.