To My Beloved Daughter Melissa (On Your 40th Birthday) Poem by Kurt Philip Behm

Your voice called out early
when I needed it most

And you turned me around
providing great hope

I was lost till you found me
from the heavens beyond

And the love that you sent
in my heart would grow strong

I knew it was you
calling out to me clear

In the depths of my wandering
your voice was so dear

You opened your heart
and my spirit was yours

A life we now share
with each day evermore

As the years have progressed
our memories have grown

Through marriage and distance
and grandchildren sewn

You rescued my spirit
when I needed you most

From my depths of refusal
you vanquished the ghost

I'll never be able
to thank you enough

For the light that you brought me
your angelic touch

And I still need you now
more than ever before

To love me and guide me
to save me once more

From the future you called
in those darkest of times

My heart yours to reign
—cherished daughter of mine

(Villanova Pennsylvania: May 2,2018)