Today I gave away my daughter

From the babe in my arms
I'd shield from all harm
To freckles and curls
More precious than pearls

From the first time I heard
The four greatest words
From the heart of a child
Her face bright and so happy
The four greatest words
"I love you Daddy"

To her first day of school
We watched her go
With a skip in her step
And an innocent smile
Off on an adventure
If just for a while

From bouncing little pigtails
And those yucky little boys
To sitting on my lap
With her favorite toys

From Christmas at Grandma's
To birthdays with cake
From stuffed little babies
To the kitchen to bake

From good times to bad times
From laughing to tears
From sharing her excitement
To calming her fears

From spelling bees
And volleyball
To London and Haiti
To answer a call

From high school tests
And nights spent dreaming
To working through college
She found herself in the doing

From crushes to heart ache
From the wins and the loss
I have watched over and protected
Without thought for the cost

But my heart is full
On this greatest of days
From infant to bride
My baby girl fills me with pride

From today til forever
She commits her love to another
With a kiss and a ring
You are both bound together

To the man of her dreams
With this I do charge you
Show her your love
Everyday of your life

No matter the cost
No matter the strife
For my daughter is worth it
Together is life

Forgive me one and all
If my words seem one sided
A candle has dimmed
Though it remains lighted

Another candle is lit
And it burns oh so bright
Not a flicker but a flame
I saw in their eyes
As she took a new name

So today we celebrate
I, with all of my heart
Two hearts as one
Never to part

Today I gave away my daughter

John Pope April 28th 2012