Today is Friday, May 17 - the eve of my daughter's college graduation.  Remember what I said about time?  I forgot one important fact: there is never enough.
     I'd like to share two poems today.  The first is from my book, A Simple Gift (PublishAmerica.com). It is the first poem I ever wrote for my daughter.   I was a stay at home dad for the first five years of her life.  I will always treasure those years and the time we spent together.  It's only natural, then, that when her first day of school came around I was the one who cried.  I still do. 
     The second verse is a piece I wrote two years ago for her 21st birthday.

     Always, Sara.  No matter what.

Sara's Gone To School Today

 

Sara's gone to school today,

the first in her five years.

The day that once was far away

now, suddenly, is here.

 

And she was in her finest dress,

and brushed her long brown hair,

and it was anybody's guess

who she saw standing there.

 

And just before she left my hand

I gave her one last kiss,

for she will never understand

how I'll remember this.

 

Sara's gone to school today.

Where have gone the years?

While her wide eyes were bright and gay,

my own were filled with tears.

 

 

 

For Sara on Her 21st Birthday

 

In the almost evening twilight

two deer spread a hillside.

The elder, motionless but for

a steady rise and fall

of breath or beating (breaking?) heart,

looks after the younger

who, walking, moves on, lengthening

the distance between their

long Autumn shadows.   Nature's way,

and anyone watching

closely could be forgiven for

mistaking them for us.

 

 

Always, Sara.  No matter what.