My Dear Daughter.

Following my recent posts, someone asked me, "Daphyne, if you had a daughter, what would you advise her? " in response to her I wrote the words below. This I dedicate to my best friend's daughter who gives me the warmest hugs. I love you Chel: 

My dear daughter, 

Always remember to define beauty correctly.

Beauty isn't skin deep, beauty lies in your character,

Beauty isn't in dressing, in your heart is where it's beheld.

Beauty isn't in the amount of make- up you wear, 

It's  in the kind words you share and the way you care.

Beauty is a fragile gift, don't ever be an ego-tripper,

And there is always beauty, that lies in imperfection.

My dear daughter, 

Spare a smile for your neighbour, and your enemy alike,

Remember to forgive, vengeance is for the wicked.

Always give whole heartedly, not as part of a trade, 

Receive without forgetting, gratitude is always a virtue.

In humility lies wisdom,  feeble-minded portray pride,

Always wear your dignity, your most precious garment. 

As you climb the ladder of success, be greatful not proud,

Respect to others, will always command you the same.

My dear daughter, 

Failures will befall you, but they won't ever trap you,

If you take them as lessons, and a chance to start over.

Believe in your decisions, but always stand to be corrected,

There is strength in unity, don't seek to be an island.

Don't ever feel inferior, the world is yours to conquer , 

Remember to explore, travel is part of experience .

Face every day with courage, every obstacle with wit,

Find beauty in your dreams, and pursue them tirelessly.

My dear daughter, 

When he says he loves you, remember to discern,

For most will mean lustful, not all will be sheep.

Wait not for him to complete you, you are self sufficient,

So don't lose yourself,  but allow him to complement you.

Remember to nurture him, he'll always be the first son,

Work on your relationship, let failure at it not be an option.

But know when to walk away, you have an obligation to yourself,

Let no man undermine you, you are the best girl there ever was.

My dear daughter,

When you get your own daughter, teach her the same,

For the same was instilled in me, by those before me.

Hold her fathers hand, and teach her to love another,

Look into her eager eyes, and create in her benevolence.

Remember I will always love you, regardless of the outcome,

I will always be your safe haven, as long as I breathe.

My beautiful daughter, let these words be a promise.