The inspiration for this poem came from a scene at our supper table. There my husband sat with a "Barbie Doll' necklace on sipping out of a very small tea cup and looking at our four year old daughter with such love and adoration that I thought "There is nothing this wonderful Dad wouldn't do for her." And so a poem is born in dedication to Dad's everywhere.

This poem originally was published in Poems on Life - Family Poems

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What A Dad Will Do For His Daughter
by Cheryl D'Aprix
What a Dad will do for his daughter is rock his sick baby girl
until the sun peeks through the darkness
letting him know the night of worry is over.

He will take her small hand in his and walk slowly as she takes her first
walk to the ice cream shop to share a cone full of heaven on earth.

He will sip from the tiny tea cup she has set in front of him
and in harmony with the stuffed animals carefully placed in their seats
he will sing the praises of her great hospitality.

He will sit through dance recitals and fashion shows
where he is the only audience
and will clap with the enthusiasm of a thousand people.

He will take her fishing and play soccer,
and introduce her to the world outside
as if just experiencing it for the first time himself.
Perhaps he is.

He will sit with her through sweat and tears over homework
that was supposed to be turned in the day before
and he'll smile as they finish, seeing her relief.

He will place a firm hand on the shoulder of the young man that comes
to take her to the school dance
silently letting him know where he stands and what he expects.

He will watch with overflowing pride as his young lady
accepts her high school diploma
and will silently pray to God to calm his fears
and get him throughout the day.

He will be full of conversation and more than happy to listen
when she calls home now and then.
Even when the game of the year is on.

He will gently fold her arm around his
and with all the courage and faith he can hold onto
he will stroll down the aisle,
giving her hand but keeping her youth.

He will be the first one in the maternity ward ,
at the nursery window,
carefully inspecting the activities of his new family member.
Another part of her, another part of him.

He will reassure her as time rages on
and the signs of his old age start to frighten her.

He will caress her hand with a passion
to which she has never felt
as he whispers his last wishes to her.

He will come to her heart for all her life
as she sees his manner in herself
or his features in her children.

He will live in the smiles
that grace her face
as she remembers the things he did for her.
© 1999 Cheryl D'Aprix Please respect the rights of the author and Passions in Poetry. If you would like to use this poem on your own web page, please contact the Author. Thank you.
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70 Visitor Comments (from the Voting form)
  • kathleen
    It made me feel all the emotions that a daughter could have for her Dad. Thank You.
  • andrea
    i really miss my dad. i don't see him often as he lives in belgrade. Im in tears now. and i dont know why. =[
  • Raj
    It really touched my heart. I am anxious. like the father,to see my heart in my daughter's heart!
  • caity
    I cried. My daddy is about to die of cancer in a few months. i'm only 13. my daddy is gonna die before half the things in this poem will happen. But it is still such a wonderful poem.
  • alastriona
    wow really cool. I love this poem, my dad did different stuff with me than this poem describes, eg helping me carve a doll out of wood when I was twelve, but I still can really relate to this. I also like that it's written in plain english, you don't have to read one line five times before you understand it.
  • Dineen
    This poem is beyond moving! As I watch my husband with our one year old daughter, this is so him already, and it makes my heart so full! Beyond that, this is a poem,word for word, about my beautiful grandfather and the amazing way he loved my mother and her daughters. We lost him a few years ago, but he is and will always be the best man to ever grace our lives. Thank you for giving me this gift to share with my mother!
  • christianna
    This poem is a work of art! it made me cry and made me think exactly of my dad. you discribed him perfectly! well done
  • Billie Jo
    That was so touching and absolutely beautiful! I have a very close relationship with my Dad and every line of this poem was spoken from my very own heart. You have captured the very soul of a loving father/daughter relationship. Wonderful work!
  • Miri
    it gave me the warm fuzzies
  • Debbie
    I just lost my dad and this was us from start to finish, because you see I had open heart when I was little and he would rock me all night. My dad was my everything and when my daughter was born he was the first in the window to show her off, and now she too knows the love of the greatest father that ever lived.
  • bill
    My Daughter's just become engaged to be married. my future Son-in-Law came round last night, on his own, to ask for my Daughter's hand. he was as nervous as hell, reminded me of my stumbling efforts back in '68 and brought such a flood of memories that I searched for hours to try to find a poem which summed up the tremendous love I have for my beautiful Daughter Rachel, (who I call Wretch!). This poem came closest thanks.
  • Shi Yun
    This is really sweet and really touching. reminds me of what my dad used to do for me. Thanks a lot for such a wonderful poem.
  • Betty
    I cried all the way through this. I'm going to a wedding as a guest of the Father of the bride. I just met him, he seems very nice, and he just wanted a dance partner at the wedding so I decided to accept his invitation. I wanted to give him something special about the occasion - nothing expensive, just heart-felt. I hope you don't mind if I share it with him.
  • claire
    THIS POEM TOUCHED ME BECAUSE I DO DANCE AND HE DOES COME 2 MY DANCE REDITALS AND I SPMETIMES TURN IN HOMEWORK THE DAY AFTER AND HE HAS 2 SIT THERE WITH ME AND HELP ME! I ALMOST CRIED ON THIS POEM BECAUSE I REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT I'LL DO WHEN HE PASSES AWAY!
  • mai
    I luv it.
  • sarah
    that was an excellent poem. i lost my dad when i was only 6 yrs. old. i wish i could have experienced that with my dad
  • Shannon
    This is a very touching poem! I loved it!
  • Stephen
    This one hit the spot. I had to move from Biloxi after the hurricane. My wife and kids are left in Natchez, MS and I am in Memphis, TN now. Your poem let me walk back in time. thank you
  • Susan
    Losing my dad at a young age, i never got to experience many of these things. reading this poem let me experience all the joys of a father.
  • jessika
    . wow . i really love this poem . my dad had killed himself almost 4 years ago . I was only 9. So its really hard for a 13 yaer old girl to deal with it. I really like this poem . Good job!
  • jamie lyn
    It was so touching that it made me cry. Im losing my father to cancer and this poem helped a lot.
  • nellie
    i read your poem . I was going thought pomems beause my dad is passing away and i cane to your poem and it tuch me good it sound just like me and my dad. before the time i got done reading it i had tear in my eyes i love your poem so much my mom ask me to say it when my dad pass away. please don't let no one say it is not good beause it is. thank you very much. nellie
  • Jeni
    This was a very touching poem and it makes me wish for that same love upon my daughter someday
  • Debra
    THIS POEM REALLY HIT HOME WITH ME LOSING MY FATHER THIRTEEN YEARS AGO. HE DIED OF A VERY CRIPPLING DISEASE, WHICH LEFT HIM BED RIDDEN FOR THE LAST SIX YEARS OF HIS LIFE. BUT, I WAS THERE SHORTLY BEFORE HE DIED AND HE TOOK MY HAND, AND TOLD ME,"I LOVE YOU. " I MISS HIM VERY MUCH, HE WAS ALWAYS THERE FOR ME, AND LISTENED TO MY PROBLEMS.
  • lisa
    thank you, this was a well written poem about the relationship between a father and daughter. to those of us who have lost our fathers it helps to find peace of mind that he will be with us for the rest of our lives. THANK YOU again.
  • angelica
    very good
  • Katrina
    Being a "Daddy's Girl" at 32 this poem made me cry. My dad died three years ago due to lung cancer. He was all that this poem said and more. Even today. I will always be a "Daddy's Girl".
  • alex
    hiya! this poem is very touching. i love my dad wiv all my heart he is the onli man i will eva trust in my life. i am 15 years of age and there is no chance anybody could take my dad away from me, wel so i thought he has chnged so much since he has been wiv his g. f even tho i love her 2 peices i know mine an my dads bond is tooo strong for her to brake bt it wont stop her from trying! i wud rather die b4 my dad cz then i wudnt have 2 live a second without him cz tha wud be enuff 2 kill me! this poem is jus amazing xx
  • ginny
    this was a very sweet poem it mad me cry its too bad all fathers arnt like that unfortunatly mine isnt take care hun
  • BJ
    This was beautiful. I also have a 4 year old daughter. I cried before I got to the end of it!
  • Jacqueline
    My son has just been blessed with his first daughter and this is something that he will enjoy reading and make him realize how lucky he is to have a daughter to share his life with. Thanks
  • leah
    your poem is aweosme as soon as i started to read it i thought of my dad and how much he means to me this poem truly tuched me at the i just broke down and cryed grate job Cheryl keep it up
  • mark
    The first half of this poem seems to describe the 8 years i have had with my daughter since her birth and i can see us in each part. Thank you for your words.
  • Kristy
    This poem has touched me because my father has not done anything worth wild towards me and it made me appreciate my stepdad more for everything he has done. Thanks to whom wrote this. It brought a tear to my eye.
  • Vanessa
    That poems was very beautifully written. I am 16 yrs. old and as i read that poem i find myself in the middle of it. I Love that poem it is so true and it honors the wonderful fathers in our lives.
  • Tiffany
    Awesome!
  • Ashley
    this poem touched me in a wonder full way. it reminds me of my father and the love he and i share!
  • Jessica
    This poem just really touched my heart. This is the type of father every girl wishes to have.
  • Mariya
    It's a beautiful poem. Ilove it alot. Keep up the good work.
  • john
    thank you.
  • Keri
    This poem really touched me. It remind's me alot about my dad. I lost my dad 6 year's ago. I was only 15. But i still miss him more then ever. It also remind's me alot of my daughter and her dad. I never found a poem that made me cry,This one did. VERY NICE WORK.
  • Kristy
    This was a very touching poem. As I started to finnish the poem I started to cry. Because it reminds me of my dad. Very terrific poem.
  • priscilla
    i love this poems its so true im 20 and my dad still does everything in the world for me and u right so good i love this keep up the good work and right more
  • Tammy
    this is a great poem. it made me cry. ihope to use it for my wedding gift to him on my wedding day!
  • LIL
    THIS WAS VERY BEAUTIFUL. I'M HAVE BEEN LOOK FOR A POEM FOR MY NEICE WHO LOST HER FATHER WHEN SHE WAS 2 YEARS OLD AND NOW SHE IS GRADUTATING HIGH SCHOOL. AND I'M MAKING A SCAPEBOOK FOR HER WITH HER FATHER AND HER IN IT. I WOULD LOVE TO USE THIS BEAUTIFUL POEM TO MAKE HER SMILE.
  • Laura
    I love that poem. I'm 15 years old and my father died last year at the age of 42. I was a true daddy's littl girl. Though I know he won't be here to watch me grow up I know he has the best seat in Heaven and is right down here with me
  • Jessi
    As I wipe the tears, I try to type this. My dad is this and a million more. Thank you so much for the words!
  • Melissa
    I think this poem is great. I was truly a "Daddy's little girl" and unfortunately lost my Dad many years ago. I am 28 now and the pain or the loss will never go away. So for all of you who still have your loving father, don't let a second go to waste.
  • amy
    I think this is beautiful! I am a single mother who is fortunate enough to know that my daughter has a wonderful father who will experience all these things with her. It brought tears to my eyes
  • kellie
    i got goose bumps-the words are so touching and so true, the poem was too good 4 words. thank u so much..
  • julie
    this is a wonderful poem and it makes me think of all the things my dad has done for me.
  • Jay
    YOU MADE A YOUNG FATHER BRING TEARS TO HIS EYES
  • Joanne
    I was looking for a poem for my fathers birthday, this one did make me cry and I am giving it to him in a frame tonight. It is a very beautiful poem, I wish I could write something so wonderful to my father, he is the best man I know, the author should be proud.
  • Sonya
    Such a beautiful poem.thank you for sharing it with all of us.
  • Fetema
    This poem really moved me. I lost my father a couple of months ago. I would like to thank the poet for helping me to see that he will live forever inside me and my children.
  • Tammy
    Makes you recall how precious life & family are. (DONT LET IT PASS YOU BY!! EXCELLENT
  • Ashley
    gosh, this poem just really hit me and made me realize how much I really do love my dad. I never knew that something could touch me so much. I really appriciate this poem and I know I can really appriciate the things my dad has done for me in my life. Thank you so much! I love you dad!
  • Kim
    You poem was so moving, it made tears stream down my face. I lost my dear Daddy on April 13, 2000 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was 71. I am the youngest only 22 when he passed. I thank God he was able to walk me down thw ailse. However, he will not be there when I have children. Anyways, I wanted to tell you that your poem touched me so much. Thank You
  • Billie
    This poem brought tears to my eyes, both happy and sad remembering my Daddy. Such a beautiful poem!!
  • colleen
    i was looking for a poem to give to my daughters father. i could have in no way said what you did any better. absolutly beautiful.
  • RHONDA
    THIS POEM REALLY HIT HOME I LIVED WITH MY GRANDPA AND YOU DESCRIBED HIM TO A T, HE IS MY MAIN MAN
  • Linda
    This is a really great poem that really displays the love between a dad and his daughter. I don't think it could have been said any better.
  • Ruthie
    This poem really touched my heart. I lost my father here on this earth, but the memories and what I had with him will forever remain.
  • Rachelle
    So, good! I started crying, because it describes my feelings for my dad.
  • darlene
    I don't think a poem has ever moved me the way this one did. Especially the part about the daughter worrying about dads old age.
  • Rebecca
    This was a very moving poem! It made me cry because I will never have a chance to experience this with my father or even my mother! All I can say to people who have a family is hold on to them and be thankful for what you have and always remember that you only have one chance to live your life so live it good!
  • Kim
    This poem meant alot to me. I sent it to my dad immediatly. Thank you.
  • Alisha
    I am balling because my father is my grandfather and he was filled with so much pride when he took me to games, had my daughter when I was 16, he was the first one there and the last one to leave, the one who walked me down the isle and threated my husband not to ever hurt me after we said our vows and all the love he has given me reflects in this poem and it is so wonderful and touching. you have so much talent
  • Karen
    I am left with tears and unspeakable words. Fore these words are so true of Daddy's little girls. I have a little girl who loves her Daddy more than the world could hold. Though we are no longer together and a new life we each have, every other weekend I remember what a special Daddy my daughter has. He was there proud, yet weak on his knees the day she graced our life with cheer. He has cried many tears as she slept on his chest, hoping to be her everything and to give her a life full of happiness. I owe him a great debt, though our lives we no longer share. He can feel my gratitude and deepest appreciation through the daughter that we bear. Thank you for allowing me to remember a man whose life still touches mine through the eyes of my little girl!
  • Lanna
    our poem brought tears to my eyes, I can only dream of what it would've been like to experince any of those things with me dad. He left us when I was 6 and never looked back. I miss him so much, and often think of him. I love my dad despite the fact that he left. You see I love him because he is my dad, but hate the man he is.
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