Her Daughter

As much as she hurt me
Crushing every ounce of my soul
And spirit
And after watching every ounce of my self esteem
Walk out the door in her purse
Something hit me hard
Someone I truly pity
Little, tiny footsteps
Dopey, off center eyes
The entire world
Resting on the shoulders
Of a three year old
What if the little one
Isn't a straight A student?
What if the little one
Isn't an eager volunteer?
What if the little one
Doesn't hit the right notes?
What if the little one
Is a little shy?
What if the little one
Is a little me?
Will you treat her like an outcast?
Will you let her know she's a disappointment
Every day of her life?
Will you yell at her
Until she's in tears?
Tell her everything she's done wrong
And make sure she knows it's all her
And not at all you
Or could you learn acceptance?
Could you love her sense of self
They way you never did mine?
Could you except her imperfections
Even if they're harder to accept?
Could you love her for who she is
Even if her hair is messy
And she sings a different key than you
If she doesn't fit the mold for the daughter you've always dream of?
Even if you never treated me right?
Could you at least show that respect
To little Camryn?