For My Daughter As She Leaves For College

 

FOR MY DAUGHTER AS SHE LEAVES FOR COLLEGE

 

 

When first I held you,

still wet from the holy waters of your mother’s womb

I placed two fingers upon your breast

and placed your’s upon mine,

a sacrament of binding

that we held each other’s hearts in our hands

from that day until the ending of the world.

Embracing you I whispered in your ear

“roots and wings”

an oath of my gifts to you

as the days washed by.

 

Looking through the nursery window

at you, no bigger than the rag doll that shared your basinet,

I told those gathered to greet you

she is mine and I am hers.

And “roots and wings” I whispered

as the days washed by.

 

At christenings and communions

and weddings and wakes

you learned of the line of your people.

As you proudly strode up the Avenue with me each March,

walking in the footsteps of ghosts

as banners flew and the pipes keened the tunes of glory

you learned of the line of your people.

And “roots and wings” I whispered

as the days washed by.

 

As you learned the songs and learned the dances,

as you laughed at our stories

and cried at our past

you learned the line of our people.

I laughed when you smiled

and wept when you frowned,

drew pride from your accomplishments

and strength for your courage.                                 

And “roots and wings” I whispered

as the days washed by,

as the days washed by.

 

Memories wash over me now

of days that seemed without end

as I see you now

a woman grown

a creature of grace and beauty

about to start a life I cannot share

and may never get to see.

I whisper to myself “roots and wings”

As the days wash by.

 

Forgive my tears they are not sadness

nor is it grief you see in my eyes,

it is pride in what has sprung from those strong roots

and wonder as you stretch those wings.

But I pray that as you learn to fly

you will be gentle my daughter

for my heart remains in your hands

and yours in mine

though the days wash by

though the days wash by.

Reviews

[TL Boehm]

Oh God. I am a blithering idiot after reading this. I'm such a "mom" and this poem just pulled all those maternal crawlies out shrieking - exposing them to the light of day. Yes, I am a squishy human and you found my weak spot.
Such a wonderful story in this - father and child on the avenue, pipes playing - learning the family history - and that ache of letting go at just the right time. Splendid.

[SteveB]

Thank you so very much. I read one of yours earlier in the week and it reminded me in tone of this piece. I thought that as a Mom you would enjoy this.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

So beautiful and so bittersweet. You've brought together the imagery and the emotion perfectly, and I can completely see the absolute love that you have for your daughter. Such a wonderful gift to have a parent to who feels this much and is able to put it into words.

[SteveB]

Thanks Sarah. And if you promise not to tell her I have to admit Libby is a keeper.

[TrimarcoRansome]

Beautifully penned, my daughter is of to study zoology this year and the other off traveling so i know how you feel, very proud yet sad emotions as you watch them leave. I love the roots and wings, it is exactly what every human needs to learn and grow, well done!

[SteveB]

Thank you so very much. Sometimes it seems that the thing we spend years preparing them to do is the very thing that causes us the greatest pain.

[TrimarcoRansome]

Yes, it is sad and our homes become quietened but it does give us more time to write and create, you appear to be doing this wonderfully!

[Angi]

Steve, this is absolutely beautiful. I can see how much your little girl means to you. She must love you like mad! To have a daddy that writes words like this is a gift for a daughter. Something tells me she has all the tools she needs to make it out there. Lovely. I hope she read this! Angi~

[SteveB]

Thank you so very much Angi. When Libby left for college last August I handed her an envelope and said if things get tough read this. She did befoe orientation weekend was over and told me that she showed it to her roomates who asked for copies of their own.

[Angi]

Aww! That must have made you tear up. ...and grin.

[SteveB]

II

[Sharon Kim]

Beautiful and very touching. I could feel this poem from two perspectives, as a daughter who grew up in a loving supporting home, who "learned the line of our people" and was freely given wings to fly and as a mother who endeavors to pass these ideals on to my own children. A mother who hopes to keep my children grounded, knowing who they are and hopes to help them soar. "Roots and wings" says it all. Fantastic job!

[SteveB]

Thank you so very much. I am pleased to that you were able to relate. Because it honors my work and even more so it shows that as a daughter you paid attention and as a mother you are serious. I am so glad you dropped in to read this.

[SyberRose]

I love that "roots and wings" Steve...a very touching write about a fathers love for his daughter...And i'm sure she will not forget her roots and will always return to the shores of hearts bay.:)

[SteveB]

Thanks Rose. As to her always returning..... from your lips to God's ears.

[Sami Khalil]

"Forgive my tears they are not sadness

nor is it grief you see in my eyes,

it is pride in what has sprung from those strong roots

and wonder as you stretch those wings.

But I pray that as you learn to fly

you will be gentle my daughter

for my heart remains in your hands

and yours in mine"
A very emotive and beautiful write full of praise and appreciation longing for the the days of her childhood hoping she will use her wings to fly gently to her destiny but not away from your loving care. Well done and the ending was great...:)

[SteveB]

Thank you so much Sami

[Sami Khalil]

My pleasure...:)

[Rita L. Sev]

First, I have to tell you that this brought tears - the emotion you wrote into this piece is so genuine and beautiful! "Roots and wings" - the gifts my own parents gave me; this reminds me so much of my father. He too shared with me the line of my people, and held my heart in his hands...

This would be a great piece to set to music - sung to a daughter on her wedding day...

Really excellent write, Steve.

[SteveB]

Thank you so much Rita.

[Saumya]

oh...!! this was lovely...!!!!
very well done..!!!
:) :) :)

[SteveB]

Thank you so much. I appreciate the kindness.

[Saumya]

you are highly welcomed, my dear friend..!!