To My Little Girl, Always

I held her first before the world, A tiny hand, a dream unfurled. So small she lay upon my chest, My loudest heart, my quiet rest. She looked at me with eyes so wide, As if I’d hung the stars with pride. And in that gaze, I clearly knew, My life had found a purpose true. I taught her how to tie her shoe, To chase the sky, to love what's true. But truth be told, with every year, She taught me more than I did her. She danced through days with scraped-up knees, With wild hair and endless "please." And I, the man who feared no height, Would pray for her each stormy night. She grew so fast—I blinked, she flew. From bedtime tales to curfews too. And every stage, each laugh and tear, Etched memories I still hold dear. She may not know the silent fears, I hid behind encouraging cheers. But every win she made her own Was rooted deep in seeds I’d sown. And now she walks with grace and fire, A woman built of bold desire. But still, no matter what she sees, She’ll always be a part of me. Not just my daughter—more than that— The best of me, where love is at. And though the world may call her grown, She'll always be my little one.