A Father's Prayer

I stand apart

     as a father must

         at times like these

and watch my youngest

      take her first, brave steps

         into the uncertain world of adulthood

            

Free at last from the bonds

     that both supported and restrained her    

            (albeit of family and friends)

she sails like a kite

      set free upon the wind

            tether broken of necessity

             

 I wish for her the steady winds

            of optimism and of hope

the guiding drafts of courage

            and of purpose set                 

the soft airs

            of loves remembered and yet to be found

                          

And when adversity assails

            I wish her sturdy craft

                        the strength to weather gales

and though tempest tossed

            safe passage un-battered through life's storms

                         

From her lofty view the world is hers

            (what experience lacks

                        enthusiasm more than takes the strain)

She is free to go

            to take direction from the wind                     

And so she must

            for no one else can set her course

                        or guide her on her way.

I stand apart

            as a father must at times like these                

and watch with pride and faith

            as she, who crafted by my hand

                        (though yet unfinished)

sails free upon the winds of life

             with my promise of support and love