"A FATHER'S LONGEST DAY" Gently, he let's her hand slip slowly from his grasp, His hand suddenly feels beyond empty, having held hers for so long and so fast. He watches as she walks away to the man who this day she will wed, Each step churns up misty memories that now rush unchecked thru his head. Memories of past laughter, and yes past tears, when he angered her so, By holding her back when she was far too eager to grow. He stares in silent wonder at the beautiful young woman before his eyes, Yet somehow still only sees his little girl dressed in some strange white disguise. Could this much time truly have flown? A moment ago, a babe in his arms, now before him fully grown. He remembers her first doll, her first bike, that awkward first dance, His helpless feeling as she sobbed away the pain of her first broken romance. So many things he left unsaid, yet let her know in his own special ways, Suddenly he's sure of all those unspoken words, Oh for just another thousand days. His gaze drifts to the tearstained face of his wife, her mother, He smiles as he wonders what girl-talk secrets they've shared with just one another. He knows he owes them both a love debt he could never hope to repay, Then kneels with everyone, as for the young couples good fortune they all pray. He stands, and steps back, leaving a new man by her side, Only then is his little girl transformed into a bride. He watches as they seal their bond, finally accepting what all father's must one day come to know, That this love between them has its limits, only with another man can her love truly grow. A subtle touch on his arm tells him his wife hears the unspoken words he will never say, Her gentle presence calms and soothes, as she guides him thru this, "A Fathers Longest Day." Bob Lindsey 1986 Written after I watched my daughter Shauna walking up the driveway from school and I wondered how I would feel on her wedding day.
, COriginally Posted On Site: 2008-02-18 13:46:30
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