My Bella Grows

You're eight, my child, it's so bitter-sweet.
You're on your road to life complete.
Today was the day you see,
When you shed the booster seat.

I'd clip your wings as any father would
if I only knew it'd do you good.
But tied in chains you will never be
and far too soon you'll fly from me.

Ten more years and a woman grown.
Independent and leaving home.
Where did the time go? It flew so fast,
through smiles and laughter, but also casts.

 To a world large and gone, growing by the day,
"when can you come home?" I'll someday say. 
With life's problems, strifes and uncertainties,
Your father can't protect you, when you choose to leave.

"Stay" I'll beg, but you'll avoid my plea,
when you're eighteen, beautiful, wild and free.
When you're grown, my heart will go with you.
yet, if you only knew, letting go will destroy me too.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

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Deo Avatar
March 31, 2017 at 6:28 PM
singing sad songs comes easy to you, Papi! I have two daughters ... and I still kiss their baby pics, because they are too grown to tie down. But - and I didn't rush either - grandkids will allow you to enjoy it all over again. After Bella breaks your heart again by falling in love. Excellent work Jesse for 7! Anil Deo (Shalom: significe paz y salud, mi Hermano). Correct me, please.
Zerlaut Avatar
April 1, 2017 at 9:11 AM
I don't doubt for a moment my heart will shatter when she meets a man. Especially if he's not everything a father would want for his daughter, and we all know.. no man is good enough for our daughters.. or so it feels.
Royle Avatar
March 26, 2017 at 2:45 PM
The words are beautifully written and I thoroughly enjoy your style of writing. Keep those juices flowing. Phil Royle
Zerlaut Avatar
March 28, 2017 at 10:35 AM
thank you for taking the time to read my poems, Phil. I appreciate your thoughts.
Zerlaut Avatar
November 13, 2016 at 12:17 AM
She's my princess without being spoiled. She is a humble and compassionate soul who always thinks of others before herself. She's been through a world of suffering from the time she was six months old, till now at nine years (almost ten). She was born with severe bilateral hip dysplasia and has had dozens of surgeries/casts. But she's always been in high spirits, and shows her mom and dad what it really means to live.
Teagan Avatar
November 12, 2016 at 8:08 AM
oh this is so beautiful. It is so hard to let our children go... it is the goal of parenting and yet one of the hardest things to do. Beautiful tribute to your daughter, Jesse.
Zerlaut Avatar
November 13, 2016 at 12:19 AM
the above comment was meant to be in response to you. Still new to all this really. Thank you for coming here and reading the poems. If any of them matter, the two about my children the most. They mean everything to me.
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