Stephen Spender

To My Daughter by Stephen Spender

Bright Clasp of her whole hand around my finger,
My daughter, as we walk together now.
All my life I’ll feel a ring invisibly
Circle this bone with shining: when she is grown
Far from today as her eyes are far already. 

I may have posted this on here before, but it’s been a while.

This is my favorite poem about parenting.  It’s titled “To My Daughter” but I think those of us with sons can absolutely relate to the mix of emotions expressed by this poem.  If I had read this before becoming a parent, I don’t think I would have understood it, but it is so perfect now that I am a mom.  So melancholy and sweet.