To my daughter

I will not see your first step
Or hear your first word;
I will not drop you off to school
Before I go to work. You will
Enjoy no excited birthdays
Or spell-bound Christmases,
Nor will you look forward
To warm seasides where
Other children call your name.
And I will never nervously
Assess your new boyfriend
Or wipe tears from your face,
Telling you that I love you.
 
Forgive me, for the only way
I know of not betraying you
Has been to prevent
Your existence.