Tiny yet strong little hand
Curled around my finger
Not inclined to let go
Trusting compelling eyes
With an impish smile
Obliterating any opposition
Pudgy little body holding sway
Over a large grown man
My baby girl
The budding teenager
Creating havoc in my life
Forever pushing the limits
Yet unable to diminish
Deeply buried feelings
Of fatherly love and urge
To hold her close
To protect and nurture
My baby girl
A grown beautiful woman
Leaving home to forge
Her own way in life
Cutting loose binding ties
My heart never letting go
Following her successes
And inevitable sorrows
Quietly from afar
My baby girl
Giving her away in marriage
Proud, happy for her, sadly
Fondly remembering the smile
So many years ago
Suppressing slivers of sorrow
Basking instead in the light
Of her happiness
Knowing she will always be
My baby girl