COURAGE

Mary’s Dad

We say a little prayer

while walking

to the school,

not because we’re hoping

she’ll be a star,

but because we hope

she’ll end the night

feeling good

about her first time on

stage.

It’ll be

a defining moment

in her young life,

one she’ll draw on

whenever she needs

strength or courage,

and god knows we all

need lots of each

to get through

life.

When she was born

I held her, sweet

pink bundle,

little gush of baby breath

the grip of baby finger,

the tiny delicate bone,

her blue eyes

flickering

and I was instantly in

love.

I hope she’ll

feel us

out there

in the crowd,

sending her

our warmth,

watching her

play the piano

like only we know she

can.