To My Dearest Victoria

(This was written in honor of my dear cousin, Victoria, who lives a bit less than two hours south of my hometown. When I wrote this about nine years ago, she was about 11 years old, not yet 12. Now, she is entering her senior and final year of undergraduate studies at a local state university. She has done me, as well as the rest of my family, very proud.)

To My Dearest Victoria

 

To yourself, always be true,

Be true through clear times and the blue.

Always be a cheerful little doll,

Throughout your growth from small to tall.

Never, ever fear to shed tears,

For they keep from your soul that which sears.

Let love always be your guide,

For you are always a source of God's great pride.

Choose your friends as you would choose fine wine -

With class, esteem, with a sense of refine.

All days are not always spicy as rum,

So be patient, and learn to deal with those some.

My dearest Victoria, this is for you.

Just remember that I was young, too.

Keep your chin high all of the time,

And in the end, everything will be sublime.