A Father's Gift Poem by Lady of the Trees

A father's gift is to complete his child. By his mere presence, with every act, with every word, with every kindness, with his quiet attention, he builds a child. All is observed, all is taken in, all is absorbed by a child.

It is a vulnerable time, though we know it not. We go about our business living, growing, learning. It is a special time of seeing the world anew. All is new, experiencing everything for the first time - even grief and death. Too soon, too soon. The gift was not complete.

The strand of life cut abruptly, my young life chopped in two. Two separate lives on either side of the decisive cut left by the cleaver. It came without warning, without mercy, uncaring in its perfect indifference. The great divide.

By his proxy, does he complete his mission. By his gift does he complete his child. I am complete. I accept his gift. His gift is his presence.

(written September 2001)