To My Daughter (Stand Strong) Poem by Britney Hogue

I haven't written in many years,
But maybe it's time to start.
Looking back on my own past,
It's made me see you, daughter.

It's like looking in the mirror,
Your struggles and mine.
I hope you may seek comfort
In the lines that I once wrote.

Our paths aren't much different.
Our pains and fears the same.
For you I hoped this life
Wouldn't be just like my own.

I hoped for you, all this time,
You wouldn't be done, like me.
I'd never wish that pain on anyone,
Especially the ones I love.

But we are stronger, my beautiful one.
Carved from a unique stone.
Maybe mared from what's endured,
But never crumble, we stand strong.