(Poem for World Poetry Day)

Tomorrow you turn nine years old
My precious little girl
And though I didn’t birth you
You are my whole damn world

From the week that you were born
You imprinted on my soul
You are the one that brought me life
When darkness took its toll

Now I sit beside you and
I smile at your face
How fortunate these days I am
To come home to this place

To see you sitting on the couch
Your school day now all done
I think it’s very safe to say that
In life’s game, I’ve won

You and your sister are my world
You brighten up my life
You siphon off my sadness
You blast away my strife

In ways you’re like a daughter
Though technically you’re not
Not an hour goes by
When you’re not in my thoughts

Please know that I love you
And that I always shall
No matter what life happens
You’re my precious little pal.