Don'T Burn After Reading

To my daughter who never listens. Life is not as simple as a cliché. It's not lullabies and butterflies. Not all sounds are soothing, not all flowers are faithful. It's not as relaxing as a reverie, rarely as poetic as a poem, so you can't hide everything behind metaphors. You have to express your true verses, you have to serenade in your own melody - but never forget the chorus to our song. Life is full of storytellers who will lead you astray, so never believe everything you hear or see - create your own biography, make your own history. Our existence is fragile like petals, yet your birth created an oasis in my heart. I remember when they said you would not blossom, yet you flourished in essences of evergreen elegance. I was the first to cradle you in my arms, as I promised to protect you endlessly. Hoping that you would soar forever, spread your wings higher and higher. We never truly realise the sacrifices of our parents. I wonder if you will ever know, how sometimes all I had left was my smile - never would I reveal my frailties. It was not a simple case of masculinity, because even the most ferocious lion cries. I hope you never face a struggle, as difficult as the trials forsaken upon me and I'm sorry if at times you saw no emotions, apologies for the tears I never let you see, nor the fears I never allowed you to feel, but it was the way I was brought up to be, it's how reality curated my personality. If the suppression of my feelings made you distant - remember a father will always be a shepherd for his flock. Wars from the past have infiltrated mankind, yet there will be many battles to come - just don't fall asleep among heartless sleeping souls. I shiver upon the thought of our closing goodbye, when my shield can no longer protect you, as every knight has to eventually lay down his sword. The world can be a cruel and wild place, and I remind you there is always a rainy day, so choose wisely the paths to ponder upon - learn how to build your own abode. You'll always be a baby in my eyes. I'll always be so proud. Even in silence... I will forever love you. Dad.