My daughter

I was there when you were born,
I was filled with such fear
How could one of such scorn,
Look after something so dear?

I was there when you first cried,
Such a piercing, shrill voice
For you I would have died,
If that were so your choice

I was there when you first giggled,
Gods choir of angels, just for me
How I tickled and you wriggled,
The sweetest sound that could be

I was there when you first smiled,
It was more beautiful than a sunrise
Many hours away I wiled,
In getting those lips to rise

I was there when you first fell ill,
How I wished to take your pain
The thought does hurt me still,
When it creeps inside my brain

I was there for your first walk,
How I worried you would fall
And there for your first talk,
Now you're hardly quiet at all

Daughter, you have my love,
You have it now and forever
My love is like a soaring dove,
That will battle through any weather