The Masterpiece

To T, my inspiration and joy.

My Daughter
my teacher,
you're painting a picture,
the brief
'A Lesson For Life'
Commissioned alone
by Almighty God,
and wrought
on a canvas,
of Love.

You add to it
daily,
splashes of Joy!
Bright and luminous
thrilling my soul,
and I learn to rejoice
by your daily example,
of infinite joy
in life
that is simple.

Amidst all the frenzy
you paint on,
with Peace.
Soothing and tranquil
your spirit is gentle
and as you lie down to sleep
still and serene,
I praise your creator
and true peace
is mine.

I view and I treasure
the difficult strokes,
of Patience, so poignantly
born of adversity.
Hands slowly reaching
a toy or a treasure
only to drop it,
over and over.
And oft-times my heart
is heavy and aching
as, for you my child
I'm inwardly weeping,
but I look and I see
the joy on your face,
as the meaning of patience
is brought to the piece.

To this delicate work
is added some Kindness,
compassion and warmth
are the essence of you!
Your innocent trust
and total dependency,
evoke loving kindness
in all of your family,
striking a chord
with their fragile humanity.
yes, colours of kindness,
mingle with love.

And running throughout
is pure Gold
of Faithfulness,
constant, enduring,
beginning to end.
And I ponder the goodness
of God
who made you,
who loves and keeps
and daily sustains you.
Then I am reminded
to faithful remain.

Oft-times this picture
takes away
my breath, as it's beauty
deepens each day.
A life-long project
a gift like none other,
I'm fully aware
that the colours may differ.
Some days more vibrant
other days paler
But always a work
That I'll treasure,
forever.

And as we sit
and laugh together,
at no one and nothing
much in particular,
than to celebrate life
and our joy in each other
I'm humbled and honoured
that you,
are my daughter.

2005