To My Daughter

My condition not acceptable back then
I thought it was sole choice what I should do.
Did I seal my fate on paper with a pen?
Of all, I don’t remember much -- but you.

Unseen by me the pain -- and you -- did grow,
As days to weeks then months and years would pass,
My tears profuse, yet how was I to know
I needed you -- like spring needs blade of grass.

Unexpectedly, the end of separation
Arrives by message announcing your request
To meet my unacknowledged anticipation
Of more than twenty years unquenched, compressed

Desire, which now wholly intensifies --
To explore you like a newborn with my eyes.