To My Daughter

I wrote this for of my daughter-to-be, read at a gathering in her honor at a downtown Austin music, poetry and theater venue, attended by and starring many of Austin's finest musicians some years ago.

  

  

Right now you're busy growing toes

and limiting your mother's wardrobe --

a tiny sailor floating in your own private sea,

the only creature in your world.

 

And yet, tonight, you are surrounded by friends,

Good friends who bring you your first gift.

And what a gift it is: the gift of music!

Music from their hearts, given freely to welcome your arrival.

 

How marvelous and fitting it is that you,

the child of an actor and an artist,

are ushered into life by such a shower of creativity and joy!

 

You will not remember this night --

but you will hear the story many, many times.

And, perhaps, years from now,

you may catch yourself humming some unfamiliar,

but strangely comforting tune --

and you will know its origin,

and you will smile.

Reviews

[JessyJacob]

Hi, dear young man,

You wrote this 13yrs ago, at the same time I was carrying my son in umb tobe due in jan 2012, I wonder how you watched the feelings so elegantly, actually I attended interview during this time with lyle osadchuck. First time I felt he asked me right questions to be asked in interview. That company was my dream to join somehow in 2008 when I graduated but still company chased though I never tried. But very touchingly expressed lines that just flew...
My only worry about my man should be safe to do more to this world and I just do anything for him for his achievements. I love him so much ❤️ I don't think we are never away but together but love made us to travel this
long and definitely I didn't predict this current time. I know life is teaching and also to be blessed with great moments.

Balancing every thing is not difficult unless you know how to. I was asking as young in being strong then and now to inside, but body definitely is wearing out and I am only concerned let this life move or sail as is I think everyone has got better things ..
I am just waiting my man with his beard a smile without Missing me comes to me shall we go ride this time together and takesme to sky in the flight ... I maybe old or not now but his love on me and my love on his just not with dust like on car but sure it is just as pure as love of our parents on us ...
My son was 8 pounds and 3ounces when he born.
Jessy Jacob ❤️

[FlatDaddy]

I am sorry, but I am having great difficulty in understanding you. Are you using an app that translates whatever you say in your language to English? I think it is not working well. I do hope your son is all right. Thank you for your comments.
FD

[DIVYA]

I connect this poem to legacy. I think we may never even connect with our parents or share meaningful vibes with them and yet, in the end, we recognize and appreciate the same music (metaphorically) as them. My father was never really a great father to me and I ran as far from his presence as I could, the moment I had the power to. Yet, at a certain turn of life, I found that the same scribbler that dwelt in him lives in an attic in me too. And since that realization, I've always wanted to make my father proud.
A wonderful poem!

[FlatDaddy]

Thank you again, Divya. I can be serious now and again, but I confess I am most happy when I make people laugh -- or blush -- or curse -- or I provoke ANY raw, true emotion that makes them think.

[Samuel Dickens]

You express well the hopes, dreams, and expectations of a father to be. I won't ask if she came to satisfy all you wanted of her, but know you love her just as she is. Very nice writing, my friend.

[FlatDaddy]

Thanks,Sam

[Emunah June.]

This brought such a warm, nostalgic feeling to me. You have once again left me completely speechless wth how you are able to put these words together in a way that can feel like home to so many. This sounds so lovely, I sure wish I was present for her soiree in person! If the celebration is as beautiful as your work, then it is one to be admired indeed.

[FlatDaddy]

Thank you so much, Emmy.She is an amazing young woman now.

[Chris Shaw]

Beautiful. The love comes through. Your words touched me. Recently, going through my late mother’s chest of family papers, I found the label attached to my wrist at birth. I was a whopping 9 ponds 8 ounce babe. My Dad kept that in his wallet till the day he died. Can’t tell you how much that meant FD. Truly loved, that’s how I felt.

Chris

[FlatDaddy]

Thank you so much, Chris. You've just lifted my spirits when I really needed it. Thanks so much!

[Chris Shaw]

You are welcome and I loved this poem to your daughter. It is a treasure.

[bookworm]

Well well well, I'll be....what lovely sentimental and sweet words...I knew it! I knew you could write beautiful prose that's also heartfelt and filled with tender emotion...you in your guise of a hardened demeanor, camouflage cloak of make-believe...it was all a ruse! This is you and has been you all along...even waaay back when....very lucky daughter and very lucky wife to have such a thoughtful good human such as you in their lives...btw, the first stanza is especially good..."limiting your mother's wardrobe, a tiny sailor swimming in your own private sea, the only creature in your world"...great wording and imagery...I like this piece a lot...its revealing a very honest and vulnerable side to you....