Happy Birthday, Heather

One, two, I remember you
When it hurt and you whispered “hot”.
Three, four, you were not much more
When your face and the bed frame fought.

Five, six, what a mess to fix
As the tub overflowed its sides.
Seven, eight, a Sabbath date
And all those motorcylcle rides.

Nine, ten, I remember when
I ran a four-mile race with you
Eleven, twelve, you pinched yourself
And your African dream came true.

Thirteen, fourteen, maids a’courting,
And all of those exams to take.
Quinze, seize, a girl name Hez
Swam with me in a crater lake.

Seventeen, eighteen, life’s a waiting
But I can still remember when
One, two and I wish that you
Could be my little girl again.

Love,
Daddy

Feb. 11, 1993