You wake three
times a night
Sometimes even
more
I hear your
breaths and hiccups
Through the
closed bedroom door
Before you
wake from your nap
That bottle
is on its way
Nothing soothes
like your smile
Or watching
you at play
Tearing up
the phone book
Pulling out
my files
Emptying out
mother's dresser drawers
Wearing her
underwear in various styles
Draping bras
and panties
Like shawls
upon your shoulder
It's amazing
watching you grow
Each day I'm
a lesson older
From each new
word to each new dance
Springing on
your tippy toes
My respect,
admiration, and my love
For you each
day they grow
My daughter's
hugs and kisses
Mean as much
as those of my wife
The future
holds
unimagined expectations
Nurturing your
life
