For Your 16th Birthday
by Michael Doyle

The hours are past and moved into the night
I was blessed by a day that you made bright
A day before your actual birthday but beautiful
It was a celebration of how you're so wonderful

Sweet daughter of mine, it's just a step farther
As I watch you grow up, I'm blessed to be your father
Even when you make me guess at what gift to give
The smiles on your face let me know I've watched you live

Sufficiently enough to know what might make you smile
Though I swear shopping made me feel like I was on trial
As I watched you open your presents, I did real good
And you smiled as if you knew you were sure I would

Now as I sit here in the silence and the darkness
I reflect on how you and your sister remove life's harshness
And I smile to myself at how beautiful you have grown
And are one of my favorite people that I've ever known

I thank God and you that you are a very loving daughter
Not a day goes by that I'm not proud to be your father
It is my heart's delight to see the ways that you grow
And one of my two greatest treasures that I'll ever know 

(c) August 1, 2023  Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved