Once my days have closed, you may not see

the road I travel. We are parted here

at last. I pray you will remember me,

 

not my seeming anger, impatiently

directed near you. That's how I hid my fear

once. My days have closed. You may not see

 

beneath the sternness, how it was to be

your father, to worry for the course you'd steer

at last. I prayed…. You will remember me

 

when you become a parent. Then you'll be

the sleepless one who worries through the years,

once my days have closed. You may not see

 

your strength yet. Now you're grown. All that debris

was your invention. Look — your way is clear

at last. I pray you will remember me,

 

and that you are my daughter. Finally,

seek love always. Don't be afraid to risk here.

Once my days have closed, you may not see

this last. I pray you will. Remember me.