the edges of myself

from the very beginning– you’ve shown me

the steadfast path– gardens and greenery,

selling strawberries by the side of the road

 

i looked to you for all things– the

even, steady hand willfully moving forward

a shining example of what i could become

 

always taking careful time with me– your

pride in my accomplishments shining through

your sparkling eyes and gentle nod.

 

the day i left you– packed my life into a

little red car and turned away from childhood–

my heart began to rip– before it realized

 

it could stretch– across the thousands

of miles of space i placed between us–

across the worlds of difference between me and you.

 

each twisted turn i’ve taken along this path

you have constantly been behind me– an enduring

source of encouragement and support– unquestioned.

 

as time continues– my children grow– your

children grown, so too does the love that has

always been unconditionally granted–

 

you will always be my dad– and i’m forever

your little girl.  no measure of distance

or time can alter the fabric of our family.