Eyes, shut tight and buried in his neck
To hide the fear and guilt and shame
The cheeks flushed, hot and streaked with tears
The stabbing breaths, relentless, came.
The thin throat, knotted up so tight
That words could not escape its grasp,
Loosened now, and the child relaxed
Held in his strong and gentle clasp.
Her words had sprung up loud and sharp,
Their meaning lost among the din,
But all this fades, as I recall
Being wrapped in daddy's arms again.

                    You were my rock and my anchor

                    You showed me what it means to really love

                    Without question, Without condition

                    Now, years after you've gone,

                    I alternately bless you and curse you

                    For showing me life's greatest gift,

                    One that no one else can ever give me