POEM - First Lessons on Raising a Girl

All I know about little girls

I am learning from my daughter

And a young girl is the harshest teacher

            For an inexperienced father

A moment ago as we played on the floor

            And I was the prince

            Come to save the beautiful princess

            With the long flowing hair

            And the radiant smile

We were best friends

But play time was over

And I was too rushed and harsh

So, my daughter begins her lesson

            With heart-breaking cries and scorn

And the innocent, foolish father

Has learned another lesson

At the hand of an unforgiving teacher

            The kindled wrath of a four-year-old.

But the foolish father is not a complete fool

And he has learned his other lessons

So he raises the daughter

            In his strong but gentle arms

For hugs and amends

And the moment is saved

            The father taught

A mistake not to be made again

As I stare in amazement

            At the little girl

Who teaches me my sternest lessons.