Birthday ode to my daughter

36 hours of labor
And a cesarean section
Saw you brought into this world
23 years ago to the day

I worked hard for you
Daughter mine
I'd do it all again
And that's saying something
Believe me

You're amazing
Have so many gifts
Blind to them
But they're there
Others can see
With lucid clarity
All the potential inherent
You'll have to trust
It's there

Yes
I'm your mother
And, I'm biased
It's in the DNA
But, I'm not so dense
I can't see who you are
In all your serendipity

Sometimes you're stubborn
To a fault
Must be your father you get that from
(couldn't possibly be from me)
That scintillating brilliance, well, that's far beyond us both
That trend you have towards perfectionism, I'm afraid that's my flaw
(yes, I'll admit I'm anal retentive, especially when it comes to proofreading: a fact you utilize shamelessly when writing papers, as well you know)
Then, there's that technical proficiency where you make computers do your thing
(truly, this gift gleaned from your dad, computer guru he)

Real gamer girl, no pseudo play for you
Gamer dudes never know what hit them; think they can gank you in lane
You spank them, they never know what hit them 'til their avatar's lying in dread
Bled
Shot in the head
Left for dead
Just put it to bed
Boys, 'cause she's THAT good

You know it, too
Don't try to demur
'Cause you school
And rule

How is it exactly
That you manage with such ease
To know the lyrics to every song
Even those written before
You were conceived
You know songs I don't know
(this isn't as difficult as it might seem)
But, you mastered that Animaniacs song
Capitals of all the world's countries

These aren't your only gifts by far
Throughout childhood
You filled me with awe
Still do
How you manage to excel
At ballet, tap, modern, and jazz
Compelling each teacher to come to me and say
This specialty is the one your daughter was meant to take
Is a mystery to me
Not only that but each sport
You picked up in turn
Had coaches coming to me
Saying much the same as well
Remember the time you drew a bow?
First time you did such a thing
When I spoke with the archery guide he said, "With training your daughter could join the Olympic team..."
This kinesthetic giftedness
Is miraculous indeed
You lettered in synchronized swimming
In your sophomore year in high school
And had the flag team coach seeing championship competition stars

I know you don't see any of this when you look upon yourself
You struggle with self-concept and self-worth and all the angst of being young, though you are oft-times wise beyond your years
Trust, if but a little, older ones who love you to see you more clearly than you see yourself for now
Go find yourself, my little love. Fly now and be free...