Daughter #10: Everything, and One Thing

Daughter #10: Everything, and One Thing

My daughter, you are born today with nothing

It's up to me to arm you for the fray

You must be decked with words, and thoughts, and something

Something that will keep the pain away

I'll name you with a string of names that's endless

For light, and dance, and strength, and love, and nerve

For women who'll surround you when you're friendless.

Then I can send you off without reserve.

I'll drive you to the edge of what I know

And drop you off to brave the world at last

But on that day, I think, before you go

I'll watch you turn to me, your fading past

You'll lean in close, so only I can hear

And whisper your own name into my ear.