Eye of the Beholder

A child's beauty contest I watched in such awe;
  young girl in a wheelchair to her father, his all.
Escorting her on stage with such grace and pride;
 each so blessed to be at the others' side.

A fragile princess in a purple pageant dress;
 twirling her first in her chair then lifting her to his chest.
Their dance so inspiring; such an enchanting sight;
 so gently he lifted her high up to the sky.

Sparkling, bright eyes and the most beautiful smile;
 none deserving of a crown more than this precious child.
An imperfect body, viewed as a gift from above;
 her beauty matched only by a father's boundless love.

Beauty in my eyes is not found in perfection;
 but in acceptance, uniqueness, love and dedication.



June 29, 2014
Contest: Encore-anonymous positive new sonnet
Sponsor: Elly Wouterse
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Ayala Avatar
September 6, 2014 at 8:33 AM
Congratulations, Arlene, on your great win! Beautiful heart-tugging piece! Kika
Guillermo - Fraser Avatar
September 4, 2014 at 10:32 AM
I hope and I pray that someday my father will also take my hand and dance me...I miss a 68rfather love Arlene.. and this poem like them got me teary eyed.. CONGRATULATIONS!
A   Avatar
September 3, 2014 at 10:54 PM
such a sweet win...PD
Richards Avatar
September 3, 2014 at 2:33 PM
I agree.......this is a number one poem, and the most touching of stories.... just beautiful !! The perfect uplifting moment!
Allison Avatar
September 3, 2014 at 11:40 AM
was a winner with me the minute I read it many congrats:-) Hugs Jan
Yvonne Avatar
September 3, 2014 at 8:18 AM
What a touching heartfelt write. Thank You for this important read. Congratulations on your first place win. Recognition of your gifted talent.
Sergi Avatar
July 7, 2014 at 6:26 PM
Arlene: Thanks for your comment on my Storms poem
Sergi Avatar
July 7, 2014 at 3:35 PM
Hi Arlene: As a father who danced with his daughter at her wedding, I can really relate to this heartfelt sonnet.
Smith Avatar
July 7, 2014 at 3:43 PM
Thank you, Ralph, my friend!!.. I know it was a beautiful dance as well.. One both of you will never forget.. Thank you.. Hugs.. Arlene
Nehls Avatar
July 2, 2014 at 10:15 AM
Wow, Arlene, this is a beautiful poem of a father's love and the trust that his daughter has put in him. Such a wonderful story that will go in my Faves. Thank so much for sharing.... Robert.
Smith Avatar
July 3, 2014 at 9:41 AM
Thank you so much, Robert my friend. I felt blesses to have seen it. Hugs.. Arlene
Vaso Avatar
July 1, 2014 at 9:20 PM
This is on of my favs, so I came back to read it again!!!
Smith Avatar
July 2, 2014 at 5:13 AM
I am so honored, Arthur, my friend! Have a blessed day. Hugs.. Arlene
Bolton Avatar
July 1, 2014 at 1:27 PM
What a very loving sonnet, Arlene. To take a somewhat of an imperfection and give it the grace and charisma which you did just made me smile.
Smith Avatar
July 1, 2014 at 1:35 PM
Thank you so much, Jerry, my friend. We miss so much beauty seeking perfection. It is a shame.. Hugs.. Arlene
Poteet Avatar
July 1, 2014 at 8:17 AM
Your image of the "winning" dad is precious indeed. No beauty trophy could be more valuable than his love and affection for his daughter. Touching positive piece...a lovely sonnet. PS: thanks for your recent comment on my work, Arlene. I appreciate you.
Smith Avatar
July 1, 2014 at 9:19 AM
Thank you, Reason! Yes, I agree there is no better gift than a love like that.. Hugs, Arlene
Ryerson Avatar
July 1, 2014 at 1:47 AM
Oh my Arlene, this really touched my soul...If this isn't a positive sonnet then there is no such thing. I thing you have a winner here...
Smith Avatar
July 1, 2014 at 9:17 AM
Thank you, Tim, my friend! I wish the whole world could have seen it!.. Hugs.. Arlene
Kendrick Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 10:53 AM
Enjoyed reading your uplifting positive poem today..Way to go for the contest..Reads like a winner to me..Thanks for the visit to my page..Sara
Smith Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 12:25 PM
Thank you for your generous comment, Sara my friend. Hugs.. Arlene
Clark Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 6:00 AM
A lump in my throat and a tug on my heart strings were the result of reading your lovely offering here, Arlene. Beauty is, indeed, more than skin deep. Jack C
Smith Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 6:06 AM
Yes, Jack. So much beauty ignored. Thank you for visiting. Hugs my friend.. Arlene
Manassian Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 2:48 AM
Lovely piece about true beauty! We often look on the outside, but true beauty shines from within and is truly in the eye of the beholder. You've brought his home in such a lovely way!
Smith Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 5:51 AM
So true, Eileen! More beauty is ignored by the heart than ever seen with the eye. Thank you for the sweet comment. Hugs.. Arlene
Vaso Avatar
June 29, 2014 at 10:57 PM
Well if this for a contest, its a winner for sure, but for me this truly a beautiful poem, well truth be told this melts my heart!
Smith Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 5:48 AM
Thank you, Arthur, my friend. I cried buckets when I saw it. It melted my heart as well. Hugs.. Arlene
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace