Daughter's Vexation, Father's Explication And Idealization Poem by Maurice Harris

Stanza I-Vexation

Where were you Daddy, when I turned one,
I want for your approval, yet there is none?
Where again were you, when I turned two?
I am right here Daddy, but where are you?

Each day I repeat: 'I miss Daddy-maybe before
The day's done, he will come though the door...'!
Do you not love me Daddy, why are you not here?
Why do you not comfort me, when I am in fear?

I need your hand in mine as I cross the street;
I want to show my Daddy to all the people I meet;
Where are you when I need to be tucked into bed?
When I fall, why are you not here to kiss my forehead?
But, you said I was the most important person in the world!
I do not understand Daddy, I thought I was your little girl! ?

Stanza II-Explication

My beloved, precious Angel-naught is there to your compare;
I have coffered in mine own heart all days we did share-
Thoughts of thee permeate to my very soul, lo, deeper still,
My absence from your life is not, surely, of my own free will!

If proffered a choice, ne'er would thee need for want,
Alas, purloined from each, each day since, still does haunt!
Many a wretched day, many a woeful, wretched night
Have I longed for thee to be within my very sight!
No measure of quittance would surely e'er answer
That which was taken, nor requite for this cancer!

Perchance, if but allowed to sleep e'er, to somniate-
This realm permits me leave, a paragon to create;
If only allowance could be made for you always to aspire,
Then only might thee gather amply, mine own unfeigned desire!

Stanza III-Idealization

Affected not would we be thus, e'er all to be as should,
Ne'er would we have cause for absence, misunderstood!

Revel with thee, would I, and share in your glory,
Full recital then, for each chapter of your story;
My approval would obviate with every bespoken word,
'I love you my Princess! ', your last words each night, heard!
Your gallant protector, from all means or form of fright,
I would lovingly lie you down to sleep, each and every night!

Your hand, interlaced with mine, whensoever we may prance;
Each day more causal still to marvel at your grace and elegance!
Jollity your constant consort, your most beauteous gift to the world,
Ever more splendid, ever more resplendent, as to you it is unfurled!
The world would be at your beckon, for only you to decide-
Watch would I, with wonderment and a Fatherly sense of pride!

Maurice Harris,25 October 2009