Madalyn, oh Madalyn, 
I only wish I knew where to begin.
I don't know what to feel,
And even less of what to say.

I got the news early today,
That I'm a grandpa from far away,
They waited four days
To even give me the news.

They said you have a full head of hair,
Just like your mamma's, and your skin is fair.
You've got bright blue eyes
That are quickly turning brown.

There was no mention of your mom and I'm torn,
I remember so clearly the day she was born,
Just like you in Portland,
So very far away.

Little girl, I'll bear this,
Just like I've borne all of the rest,
And I'll let them believe
Just what they want to believe.

I have no expectation that things will change,
The emotional alliances have been rearranged,
And Grandpa's not a part of the mix.
So I'll do what I do,
Each and every day,
I'll go to work in the morning, and at night I'll pray,
That someday this nightmare will end.

There are a couple of things
That I would like you to know,
Just a few guidelines
To help you grow,
And maybe someday I can tell you for myself.

Love itself can endure all else,
When you try to love others,
More than yourself,
And this is the greatest law.

Get up in the morning,
And work real hard,
But remember that money,
Isn't the greatest reward,
And little girl, you'll be on your way.

If another hurts your feelings,
As you grow and live,
Be the bigger person,
And remember to forgive,
And you'll be a better person for having done it.

All honor and glory
Must go to God.
It's the first commandment,
So don't think it odd,
Because it was He who gave you life.

The second of course,
Will bring you no remorse,
If you honor your mother and your dad.
It is the one that today,
Many have tossed away,
And there are broken hearts across the continent.

So, in closing my dear,
Let me make this crystal clear,
That if there is strife,
Please rise above it.
Because in the end,
If on your family you cannot depend,
Then your life will be hollow at best.