To My Future Child

It is because I love you

That I will never hurt you.

I pray to God I don't make that mistake,

That I should stand before you,

Despite your fear berate you

Beyond the point your heart begins to break.

And it's because I love you

That I'll be sure to teach you

Mistakes are part of how we learn and grow,

That you should never fear them,

Detest them should you make them,

Or think it's best nobody ever knows.

And it's because I love you

That I'll be proud to see you

Stand up for what you truly feel is right,

Even if who has wronged you

Is, too, the one who raised you

And makes you doubt bringing your tears to light.

And it’s because I love you

That I’ll be sure to show you

Your tears are never something you should hide.

They’re not a sign of weakness,

But how you dull the sharpness

Of all the pain you feel deep down inside.

And it's because I love you

I hope you say "I love you"

In turn, meaning those words wholeheartedly,

And it's because I love you

That I will never "love" you

The way my father had always "loved" me.