For my lovely daughter Elizabeth

I let you fly

I know that sometimes it appeared I wasn’t paying attention.

When you were doing the things you loved to do.

I know you thought I wasn’t watching.

When you excelled at everything your hand found to do.

I fed you before your mother held you,

I watched you grow up, study and play.

I beheld the wonder of your exploration,

Discovering all that life had to offer.

I cherish the drawings my fledgling drew.

The silly things that made me laugh and smile,

When your mind was young and innocence ruled your world.

Still I let you fly.

I stood back and watched you test your wings,

Trying hard not to interfere with your discovery.

While supplying the wind to uplift your wings,

Even when you had no idea I was there.

I let you spread your wings and soar where eagles only dare,

I watched you fall to the door of death and return to the heights,

Of the tallest mountains with even greater determination,

I let you fly.

When the world around you seems unconquerable,

That my daughter is when you rise the highest,

Higher than the eagles you soar, even when the storm clouds gather,

I let you fly.

I let you fly,

To test the metal of your wings and the strong spirit

And the will that your Creator instilled you with.

Shot from the bow like an arrow,

To the target ever moving, yet always within reach.

I let you fly because I knew you could,

I let you fly because I knew you would,

I let you fly because it is your life,

But mostly, I let you fly because I love you.

Ó Robert W Hullender

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