Ariana visited me at the office yesterday. Okay, she was there for a tuition check; but, I refuse to believe that was the only reason. As I talked to this young woman on the first steps of a career and life, I thought about the self sacrificing she did while her mom was sick. Her strength sustained me during the toughest time of my life. Then, I remembered a poem I wrote several years after I accepted the job of raising her. It is still one of the best things I have ever done.
SOCCER GIRL
She limped into the house,
Scabby knee,
Angry frown,
Complaining about her homework.
She was a new daughter,
Fast and furious;
Too young for coffee in the morning;
Rooting for the wrong team.
The bruises on his arm
stood as garish reminders
of the strength of her grip.
She stormed through life
like a tornado
Whirling and spinning
Until her subjects
knelt in obedience
to her will.
He wanted to run away
until she approached
and with a hug
and an “I love you, PaPa”
melted his resolve
and quieted his fears.
I love watching football
with a soccer girl
Who is stronger than I am.
