To My Friends With Daughters

A sleepless night in a long month after about nine
 You look as sweet in her arms as you do in mine
 Enjoy this time, those red eyes and toothless smiles
 Sharing this bed on the pallet blanket pile
 Because it won't be long until you start
 Repeating sounds, running around, and growing smart
 Make sure your bed is made, I'll drive you down to the arcade
 And we'll sing and laugh and talk along the way
 And you'll be driving soon
 Sweet sixteen and prom night moon
 And I'll be at a loss for what to say
 Worried at night, it was yesterday you cried when I put you down
 Now you're wondering what to wear with your cap and gown
 We'll drink tea, just you and me, and talk about the past
 I'm a wreck, could you hug my neck and make it last?
 Because it won't be long before you start
 Stealing breaths, turning heads, and breaking hearts
 You pull away from me and pick up a degree
 Spending Spring Break with your friends
 And your Summers all with him
 Your career is on the climb and we talk sometimes at night
 On holidays, we will toast holding stems
 Wearing white in a chapel named after a saint
 You're beautiful though your face is smothered in paint
 A bouquet, something blue, you're soon walking down the aisle
 You look as strong in his arms as you do in mine
 Because it won't be long before you start
 Updating us with the most precious Christmas card
 One last dance, holding hands
 Not posed for the pictures, but you deliver
 A quick kiss, tear-stained wrists, and you'll be leaving soon
 Just remember that I'm always here for you
 And it won't be long before you're setting out
 So go have fun, go be strong, go make me proud