You were never “mine”
you cannot own a soul
you each are separate
yet part of me and each other
we are forever connected
yet distinctly separate
if I told you
that life is always easy
that life is always fun
that there would be nothing
that would ever hurt you
I would have lied
but
by the example I have tired to make
by trying always to do the right thing
by not condoning the easy way out
but striving always to consider
hurt feelings, the atrociousness of mendacities,
the awkwardness of thievery
I hope that you have seen
goodness matters
you are the masters of your own destiny
in that
making choices count
and that your choices will always reflect
your heart
pay attention to the inner voice
that calls to you
learn your weaknesses and your strengths
believe in the power of you
know
that you can accomplish any task you so choose
that in you is the power
for light and happiness
remember this
I see in each of you
hope
and
glory
and an unfailing ability to love
and know that in the darkest of times
I am here
I am with you always
arms open
I cannot own you, you own yourselves
but I will love you
fiercely
unto eternity and beyond