my dearest eloise,

my daughter, my sun

whose light has lit

the darkest of days 

(these days)

when choices and fate sit heavy

on my chest

but my heart pushes back

fiercely 

it thumps 

it dances and leaps 

and practically explodes (i swear it)

every time you run across 

the pine floor

into my arms and squeeze

your soft hands

around my yearning neck 

your pink cheek

hugging mine

and since the beginning of time

(our time, was there ever a before?)

your dark bright eyes have made 

a puddle out of me,

sweet babe.

you are truth 

and wisdom 

and despite the emptiness 

that floats in my depths

and a sadness that beckons

to sink

parts of me

you are all i ever dreamed

you are hope 

and an anchor 

and a love 

that plunges 

far deeper 

than it all.