(for my daughter’s first birthday)
He places me upon his knee,
A princess on my pearly throne.
I am my father’s face of glee;
I am his heart sung joyfully.
With ribbons red and golden bows,
He places me upon his knee
And holds me as he merrily
Makes wish and on my candle blows.
I am my father’s face of glee;
I am his love shone graciously.
As ever did a daughter know,
He places me upon his knee,
And blesses me, his living tree,
As I to him am gift bestowed.
I am my father’s face of glee
Shone out for all eternity;
For even when my sorrows grow,
He places me upon his knee
Where joy dispels but endlessly
As light upon the shadowed soul.
He places me upon his knee;
I am my father’s face of glee.
—Darcy Blahut