Dear Daughter

When time and duty call us away, the heart longs for home, hearth, and those we love best. Enough said

Dear Daughter,
Like the wind in the trees, I whisper your name
So softly only the trees can hear me.
Only the stars can match your beauty without shame.
While you chase life’s prizes, I fight across a dark sea.
I fight so that you and your friends may sleep in peace.
I fight as a soldier second and a father first
Because a father’s fierce love will never cease.
I fight so that you may dream of the best, not the worst.
I fight because you are my world, dear daughter.

Dear Daughter, I want to lay this rifle down
And rush home to stand at your side.
But I am teaching other fathers how to protect their town.
And until that work is done I must abide.
We must wait a while longer, dear daughter.
Until then, I send these words across time and tide.
Until then, I watch for your lantern across the restless water.
And in the darkness, I dream of you, my beloved daughter.

Dear Daughter! Can you know how much I want to hold your hand?
The first star hangs in the Middle Eastern sky
And my wish is a prayer I make while alone in the sand:
That God will give you angel’s wings and teach you how to fly.
A father’s dream is to watch his children grow.
He hopes his hand will send the falcon into flight.
Like a farmer, you are the future seed that I sow
And the hope that I nurture day and night.
May yours be a better life then mine, dear daughter.

Now and always, my love is forever.

Author's Note

For every soldier, front line worker, or first responder who has had to balance family and career. Thank you for your service.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

You make us feel this is personal, you present it so deftly, so strongly.

Yes, when I see veterans or frontline workers I always thank them for their service.

Wonderful poem,
j.

[M. J. Smith]

I thank them too. This was written by for someone I knew who died before his daughter could truly know him. Thank you for your kind review. It is deeply appreciated.