You lift her to her feet so slow,
Take her hands and don't let go,
With her first steps comes a glow,
A seed of faith that starts to grow.
Pretty soon she's on her own,
Boundless as a rolling stone.
You laugh and yet choke off a moan,
Fearing what her freedom's sown.
Life's lessons mount with every year,
Throwing new light on things we hold dear.
Seeking to learn what isn't clear
Spurs debate of what we revere.
Tapping wisdom you value high,
You offer rules she should apply.
And yet with her discerning eye,
She doesn't shy from asking why.
As parents, we want to shelter them,
Protect our kids life and limb,
Still, we must learn to help them sail,
Picking them up should they fail.
Only God knows what life will bring,
Thrilling victories and painful stings,
And yet in Him, we can charge on,
Boldly forward with each new dawn,
With each new dawn...
First Steps
You kiss her cheek and step away,
Glad you lived to see this day.
And yet your heart aches in dismay,
Knowing her love may drift away.
With a smile, your daughter slips free,
Nearly running in her ecstasy,
Joining her betrothed on this journey,
Ready to cross this new boundary.
The newborn rests in grateful hands,
A world of love she understands.
Her parents marvel at the demands
This one they treasure now commands,
Their lives will never be the same,
With this new child to take their name.
And yet they burn with a new flame,
Taking heart from which they came.
You lift her to her feet so slow,
Take her hands and don't let go,
With her first steps comes a glow,
A seed of faith that starts to grow.
Pretty soon she's on her own,
Boundless as a rolling stone.
You laugh and yet choke off a moan,
Fearing what her freedom's sown.
— Words and music copyright December 2012, Kirby Lee Davis