Daughter

She bolts to me.

If only she can get into my arms,

She will be safe from danger.

Of every kind.

This uplifts and terrifies me.

Her eyes sparkle with the pride of accomplishment.

Her voice is shrill with the cry of truth.

Her soul roars with the ferocity of giggles.

Her hands with the power of influence.

Of every kind.

I grew up with girls...

Flirting and hurting,

Calling and falling,

Waiting and baiting,

Holding hands,

Kicking cans.

Girls...

Of every kind.

She will join their ranks soon enough.

They who all had daddies.

Of every kind.

She will join their ranks soon enough

and bring herself to bear among young men of her own.

Here and now, though, I am all of man to her.