My First Daughter's Wedding

My First Daughter's Wedding
Written by Raymond Lee Peltier
©1999

Tomorrow is your wedding day and everything is ready,
It's hard for me to write these words and keep my fingers steady;
I'm so nervous thinking so much to do that day
In 24 short hours I will give my little girl away.

I have so much to say to you before we walk the isle,
So I will write this poem even though it's not my style;
I thought it would be easier to write my feelings to you
Then I would not forget my thoughts as I often do.

It's hard for me to realize that you are twenty-five,
It seems like only yesterday when you started to drive;
I also remember your first steps and when you started walking
And "daddy" was your first word when you finally started talking.

I remember coming home from work each day,
Then you would jump into my arms and always you would say,
"Mommy" Daddy's home from work and now we can all eat.
Dinner time with you and Mom would make my day complete.

After dinner you would always show me something new,
Something you had made for me or something you would do;
Then you went to school and started growing up fast,
The little homemade arts and crafts became things from the past.

Becoming independent as you reached your teenage years,
Learning how to deal with life and overcome your fears;
My little girl was growing up and then I learned one thing,
No longer could I keep her safely underneath my wing.

I had to let you venture out and discover what all was new,
I think, it was the hardest thing I ever had to do;
Many men can tell you as a father it can be,
Scary when you let your daughter finally be free.

So on this night before I give my little girl away,
I have written this poem to you and from my heart I'll say;
You've grown into a woman from that little girl of mine,
And I am proud to be your father you turned out just fine.

In my mind I'll always see my daughter running wild,
Playing all the little games when she was just a child;
But tomorrow when I walk the isle there on my side,
Will be my proudest moment with my daughter as a bride.

I love you more than life itself and I can only pray,
As I march you down the isle on your wedding day;
You will be complete and happy when you say, "I do"
Because you've made my life a joy and daughter "I love you."