Not having children of my own is part of my destiny,
Something I had no power over, yet still I held on.
When you were born, on a day just prior to mine,
A part of me was reborn, as I held you close to me.
I was granted a strength of hope and faith,
For as you grew, I too grew along with you.
Each time I watched you at play, I saw myself,
A reflection of youth, like a princess in time.
You have grown into an exquisite young lady,
In a world filled with much perplexity.
Decisions of plenty are approaching your path,
And will lead you to that unforeseeable future.
Only you can compel tomorrow to take place,
While others who love you may not agree,
Enduring space in time to go on its own course,
Will redeem your reserved destiny by holding on.
Accelerating adolescence can be a rebel,
For every moment of each day can be cherished,
When maintained in the past as a remembrance,
A recollection of times consumed perceptively.
When you read a book and skip a page,
Or watch a movie while fast-forwarding,
You leave behind a withheld portion,
Losing its significance as you attempt to retrieve it.
Be brave and strong, as you have always been,
Know you will always have someone who truly cares,
For my right arm I will impart for you,
Should you be in need to keep on holding on.
Yana Petkov
16th July 2004
Dedicated to my precious niece Nina,
with much respect and aspiration for
life's best riches.
