I am homesick Daddy.
My little one cries.

And my heart skips a beat.
Tumbles. Stumbles. And then rhythms into a smile.

I think of the woman she has become.
Of the confidence she exudes as she puffs
away her stress and drinks away her blues.

I think of the adult she has evolved into
as she takes decisions
as if she was born calling the shots.

For a minute I can’t come to terms
with the apparent contradiction
between her voice and her words.
Till I remember my mother telling me
that children grow up only for the world.
For parents they remain infants in arms.

Hush my baby. I think out loud.
Wishing my hug a safe journey
straight into her arms.
Wishing my kiss a speedy return.
Praying that my love
is the only strength she really needs.
And she always has.