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Thursday, June 29, 2017

Mourning

It feels quicker than a blink
since I first saw you
and took you to raise up
as my very own.
Through laughter, patience
scrapes and tenderness,
I readied you for
a cold and undeserving world.

Through the seasons
you blossomed
and the world became
resplendent with possibility
when seen through your
naive and limitless vision.
I knew the world
would sing your song
once you taught them.

You asked if I was ready
and I snapped awake
from my reverie.
With a weak, sincere smile
and moist, quivering eyelids
I face my hardest challenge
as your stepfather:
to smile bravely
and not let you see my loss
as I walk you down the aisle
into your destiny.

[Posted for Dverse Open Link Night.]

10 comments:

  1. Oh what a precious and lovely write. I think she felt your loss though. I know I did when I was walked down the aisle.

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  2. A loss that is one of the best a step father can have though.. love the story told.

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  3. Nice description of giving your daughter away in marriage.

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  4. Step-daughter or otherwise, the act of giving away is an emotional sacrifice, more of a shock felt by fathers as one last gesture of responsibility to perform.

    Hank

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  5. How beautiful. What a lovely gift for your stepdaughter. Of course, you don't lose a child, it's a change, but there is always gain.

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  6. Lucky is the stepdaughter to be gifted with these words! Both my children have grown to be wonderful step parents, and I love my step grandchildren as if they're my own. This is so beautifully written. Thank you for sharing very personal feelings.

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  7. Thank you for sharing this bittersweet, touching episode of life. It's beautiful.

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  8. Such tender words given so lovingly, and freely. Any woman who received them on any day, especially her wedding day, would treasure them for a lifetime. Thank you.

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  9. So touching. Beautiful write.

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