Forgive me for the hidden sins deep within.
I know I haven't told you these things before,
My heart, my princess, my most trusted kin,
My beautiful daughter whom I adore.
See, long ago, before you were born,
I was a young man who didn't care about life.
My entire existence was torn
By hoodlumism and strife.
I didn't heed what your mother had to say,
Cared for no one but myself.
I did things my own way,
My life perched on a selfish shelf.
Drinking became my closest friend,
Stealing, my cherished treasure.
A life of crime seemed to have no end,
Hurting others gave me pleasure.
I've gone to jail many times, dear one,
And never learned from my mistakes.
I thought my young adult life was fun,
There was no way to pull the brakes.
Then one day, while in prison on the phone,
I remember your mother called with an incredible news.
My mind, right then, was blown—
She said, "We are having a child, Cruz."
After we hung up the phone, I returned to my cell,
The thought of this brought confusion.
I wasn't ready for a child, that I could tell,
Hoping this was a dream, an illusion.
When I was released months later,
I went directly to the house.
I felt unworthy, stupid, a traitor,
On bended knees, I cried before my spouse.
Right then, I promised her to commit,
To put my past behind me.
Took on a new mindset, emerged from the pit,
My life since then has been filled with glee.
When you were born, I held you in my arms,
Tears of joy set to my eyes.
Such a beautiful lass with many charms,
With a future of blissful paradise.
Twenty-five years have passed today, and here we are now,
On the day of my beautiful princess's wedding.
You've made me a proud father; I take a bow,
Joy confined, happy tears are shedding.
I make a toast to the newlywed:
May you have a long and prosperous marriage.
May no one defile your marriage bed,
May your love flourish like a golden carriage.
And Mike, remember this:
She's now the bone of your bone, the flesh of your flesh.
Treat her with divine love and bliss,
And your marriage will always be fresh.
And to my wife, thank you for putting up with me all these years,
I'm grateful for all the times the Lord has brought us through.
May the rest of our lives be filled with many cheers,
I love you, dear woman, I truly do.
©dav754
D