She looks up at me with those eyes.
Those hazel marbles,
so innocent.
Everyday she looks more like the woman I once loved.
Her mind begins to see the wonders around,
an explorer at heart,
she attempts her first steps.
Falling to her bottom
trying again without a tear.
I wish her mother was with us,
my little angel’s first word aches for her.

Inches are gained as memories are shared,
never forgetting her most important feats.

The woman she has become;
My butterfly, My baby girl, My love.
My hands won’t let go of her.
I can’t.
Wearing her mother’s divine white dress,
I cry.
She touches my chin,
looks me in the eyes.
A life of joy flashes before.

Thank you for everything daddy,
but now you have to let go.

Wiping the tears,
I hand her to a new man.
The little girl I once knew,
Today says those two passionate words,
I do.