My youngest daughter turns 11 tomorrow. She’s brilliant, witty, charming in her own ways and has a bright future ahead of her. Yes. I am a very proud father of both of my princesses. The only kingdom I have to leave to them is that of the heart and soul. These kingdom treasures will have never been in better hands than theirs.
On Being Eleventeen by Michael Doyle It's coming I see - that is your birthday We've had to celebrate it on Saturday Not because I didn't want to do it right But because, I won't get to see you that night I can see it there in your beautiful eyes No, it's really not that huge of a surprise You're tired of being treated like a child By those who do and you become a bit riled Knowing that you know as much as you do And that there is no one quite as good as you At being and becoming and seeing what you do And pursuing those things with a heart so true You seek as you do to be seen as someone to trust I'm glad that you do because it's true and you must There are changes in the you I see of transcendence Earning every step of your growing independence Listening as you become ever better at communication Hearing your thoughts and feelings with fasciation Watching as you seek your best to know and then knowing As you become the you that you are always growing Though we may joke around, I am not so totally blind I haven't missed how you've grown into being more kind How you listen with loving ears in full consideration Seeking to know the world in your deep investigation As your loving father, I need you to know you're wonderful Growing into a young lady and magically quite beautiful These things have not escaped my meandering attention I take in every change and nuance with great retention I need and want you to know that we can always talk Be it in a quiet cuddle or along with me in a walk Your truths as you see them and your thoughts and feelings Are safe with me as you gain confidence in their revealing It's so easy to be interested in things that you are Whether it be cooking or learning or even in counting stars No, you don't have to answer all of time to my questions But, when you want to, I hope you do without any hesitation It is amazing to watch as you begin to truly find yourself From friends, online, magazines and even books on the shelf You just be the best you that you are and your best shines through Always know that you are the most wonderful at truly being you It's important to me for you know how much I truly love you That I put the greatest trust and confidence in what you do We will not always see things eye to eye, but my ears hear All the things that you love and don't and like and fear Most of all, I want to be here for you to always know That you can turn to me as you search and learn to grow That my heart will always love you until end of world Whether you stretch out bravely or sleep there all curled (c) May 25, 2020 Michael Doyle All Rights Reserved
