this girl
who came storming into being
with a whirlwind
has sharpened all i’m seeing

she so articulates her words
and prances with such care
hear her
see her
there, there, and there

what a child
what a smarty
insightful and mild
loving and oh so arty

i love you, my dear
as you walk your path
and embrace each year
and we share each laugh

know with each step you walk
and in each hour
when we joke and talk
and you blossom like a flower
i will protect you like a hawk