he told me that tonight.
not sure why he did.
of all the things he could say
"you're so beautiful" wasn't needed


i'll tell you what's
beautiful
heart-wrenching
painstakingly
beautiful
it's you and the love you have for her

this is obsolete.
but once your daughter compared a love i had
with the love you have
i was shocked then
as i am now
i desire it
i want it
but i've never had it

as you walked over
i could see it in your eyes
you didn't even want to leave her for a moment
not with the little time you have left with her physically
knowing that the next time you see her
things will be different
forever changed
forever

and you hugged
and you smiled
and underneath, i saw it
it still hurts
and it still screams

in an un-self-absorbed way
i want to tell you
i hate these things
it hurts too much to see
the comfort is only temporary from others
i didn't want to be there
but i love this family

and you hugged
and you saw me
and you came to me
and you hugged me
and let me tear up
let me wish that i could do something
anything to ease

and you stepped back
took my cheek in your hand
and of all the things to say
"you're so beautiful. such a beautiful girl"

i pray for one like you
i pray for someone to love me
like you loved, love, will love her
i pray for you
i pray for you