To a Little Girl

I was that little girl who stumbled, step by step Falling apart and coming undone Like stitches on a ragged doll So pretty, and malleable at the convenience of their choice Daddy's lovable, tamable little girl An abiding, model child in this world And as my womanhood unfolded throughout my teenage years I blossomed with insecurities and questions about what it meant to be a woman in this world I lived the freedom I was offered within the barricades I felt my heart pound against that injustice at the realization that I could be a threat to many more Such an unsuitable girl for this world Intelligent and stubborn, my wild heart hungered for a place at the cost of a man's scorn A place where customs and traditions could not tether all my wishes I would pave a brand new world within this this world One look at who I was and who I became turned to stone all those who opposed the greatness of a woman in this day I can give life I can give love I can be the fury in a demise I am the beauty in a paradise I am the warmth of a rising sun I am the calm in a night sky I am all of that and more And I have left my mark in this world in "her" I hold her gentle head close against my breast and she feeds so eagerly She's taking in the life that I am giving She is feeling the love that I am giving And every time I look down at her she reminds me of what is and what more could be My heart wells with unkempt emotion at the sight of her raven colored hair Its lustrous hues of darkness And when her hand is gripped around my finger no pain can render me worn She represents my unfailing faith that she will be strong, respected, and independent In my world, in her world, and in this world