the days are long and full with skies of gray
yet the smile you wear keeps the clouds at bay
though this may come as a common cliche
you are beautiful in every single way

hold my hands in yours, tell me what you feel
let me understand the you that you want to hide
give me a piece of yourself, something real
tell me what you love, all your joys and pride

days spent making you happy are never a waste
time with you is a gift I hold close to my heart
with every touch, my stomach seems to have misplaced
all the butterflies, as they fly high and depart

you draw me in 'til I know nothing but your grin
your lips, your voice, your name, and everything you are within

I will tell my daughters

always come home to yourself

your worth is not only in your body

it is in your spirit, the stardust

flecked across your skin

I will tell my sons

never become a wolf

never devour flesh

and forget a woman’s name

say her name like a prayer

cry oceans and taste saltwater on your lips

for when you break and fall

you can rebuild and stand

for that is how you both will learn to love