For My Daughter

It’s funny how I never saw you grow.
I seem to miss what’s nearest as a rule,
far too preoccupied - a busy fool
blind to the way the seasons come and go.

What shall I give since now you’re going too
and will be gone a while? Although you’re brave
and self-assured I know I rarely gave
a sign to show how proud I was of you.

I give it now with love, but love’s no gift:
It’s yours by right. Because you’re going far
I’ll give a gentle light to be your star
and all my hopes to hold when life’s adrift.

I’ll give them all though all I have would be
no gift beside the gift you were to me.