To My Daughter Poem by Jeremy Nel

How the time flies my sweet
It seems like yesterday you were born
And now, you are a young lady.
I watch your face, so perfect
And listen to the sweet melody of your voice

I marvel always, that I could have had a hand
In a creation so perfect.
Every parent sees their child as such
For in their offspring they see the power of God
The mystery of creation.

Then, as you grow
Your own personality slowly unfurls
A little bit of your mother
A little bit of me
In all, mostly it is you.

Like a pupae into a butterfly
You slowly metamorphose
And grow, gently spreading your wings
Strengthening them in the process
To reach your full potential.

As I watch you, I cannot help but wonder
What you will be
And what your life will be like?
I can but cradle you now
To protect you against life.

But you will have to live it
Hour by hour, day by day
Through the sweet and the bitter
To grow strong, an individual
To be the best only you can be.
5 December 2005.