Looking back when I was fragile
Just an infant, needing all
I saw you as someone agile
Someone powerful and tall
I was sure you could move boulders
With one finger, maybe two
Since you’d lift me to your shoulders
Holding me, the whole day through.

Soon, just like all other children
I was running ‘round our home
Having long outgrown my playpen
At last, I was free to roam
Yet, you always walked beside me
So that I was unafraid
I was the best child I could be
Through the lessons you conveyed.

As I grew to adolescence
We did not see eye to eye
But, you understood the essence
Found within the reasons why
Sometimes I failed to be prudent
And sparked great cause for concern
But, you knew I was a student
Who, given due time, would learn.

Now that I have reached adulthood
With a life that is my own
I know I would not have withstood
My youth, had I been alone
You have offered your protection
Since my hair was a lone curl
Thank you, Dad, for your direction
Love always, your little girl.

© 2007 – Jill Eisnaugle’s Poetry Collection