Walk with me, daughter
Before the close of day
Walk with me, beside me
Right now, I’ll lead the way
I have guided you for a while
On your journey this far
I've been here each step
With you, just as you are
Soon you must walk
Without me at your side
But I trust you’ve learned well
You won’t need me to guide
Your faith, hope and courage
Will be your strength every day
From here on in
As you go on your way
When I’m not there
To wipe your fallen tears
Remember me
And our happier years
When I’m not there to walk with you
On your wedding day
Remember this walk and know
I am not far away
I will be as close to you
As the thoughts in your mind
As the photographs of me
That you've taken over time
And walk then with me
At the close of day
Know that I am a part of you
And I am not far away
© Ruby Neumann
Written October 28, 2020
Poet's Note: There is a father whose days are numbered. As much as he wants to keep hope alive, his face shows the cancerous predator within him. How can he prepare his daughter for life without him? Maybe he takes her on walks and leaves with her a memory of their steps together. Maybe he thinks of the day he won't be able to walk with her when she wants him, the most, by her side… on her wedding day. What does he tell her, today? Maybe they walk in silence.
I remember my last walks with my Dad. Cancer took him fourteen months before my wedding. Today it is twelve years and nine months since he passed away. I remember him in this poem, but not only him… there is another daughter who is taking her last walks with her Dad. I am thinking of her.
