Claiming Genesis

Today – this day – you are my daughter.
Bells that have tolled for you cannot be unrung,
And the future resolutely maintains its silence.
But still I can hold you and sing softly in your ear.

Today – this day – you are my daughter.
The endearments and silly nicknames have been assigned,
No longer available for any other child.
The songs are your songs.
The lessons are your lessons.
Wonder will be bound up with you from here on out.

Today – this day – you are my daughter.
I have no paperwork to prove it,
Just your name carved on my heart.

Today – this day – you are my daughter.
You are my firstborn.
Even if you didn't come from my body, you are part of it now.
You've altered my mitochondria
And changed my sense of gravity.

Today – this day – you are my daughter.
What cannot be explained to those outside
Is that this love for you is no longer negotiable.
The only way forward leaps in with both feet.
Someone else will decide whether we get to raise you,
But no one can keep me from claiming you.

This day, you are my daughter,
And every now is today.