On Turning 17
by Michael Doyle

The days crawl slowly on one by one
And your birthday is past and done
I am still thinking on what it means
That my baby girl has turned seventeen

Wasn't it only just yesterday
That you entered this world's way
Laying there like an angel I had seen
And now here it is, and you're seventeen

Soon enough, you will reach eighteen
I still won't be sure what all this means
I'll only know that I love you more than life
My wish for you is peace, love, and no strife

As you make your way with words to be spoken
I hope for you that your heart won't be broken
And know a father's affection is only a token
Of the love you deserve to go always unbroken

I remember you looking up at me, and the deal we made
Daddy to baby that you'd walk this world unafraid
This was the first time for us both, and we'd go easy
I took your smiling laugh that you agreed with me

You don't remember - I read to you in your mother's womb
And now I watch as you read in the living room
Then you write songs that you create and bring
And I wait to hear you on stage as you bravely sing

These are some of my thoughts on you turning seventeen
Knowing that a dad's love continues and that means
Even forever after, once you've reached past eighteen
You will remain one of two of my favorite human beings

I've watched as you've grown into the young lady I know
All your experiences and struggles only go to show
You are one of the best persons I've had a privilege to know
It's been my pleasure to watch you as you bloom and grow

Promise me to make the most of what comes your way
Making the best of your each and every passing day
You have so much to give this world, and I am so proud
Filled with more smiles and love than maybe allowed

I remember when you were prematurely born
I didn't give a darn what the doctor warned
You were going to live and you would thrive
I kept you near me night and day to survive

And here you are, my precious daughter, very alive
They were wrong, and I watch now as you do thrive
And maybe this is where I should end this bit of poetry
Knowing that a father's love is for all of eternity

Wherever you go in life, wear your father's love
Even as one day I look down from the heavens above
I know your life will have a lot of different stages
And I long to read each of your future turning pages

Here we are days past you having turned seventeen
Blessed by God, loved by me, for all that means
As long as I breathe, my promises will be duly kept
With all of the love and the tears we both have wept

(c) August 8, 2024   Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved