i see you as you were
your younger self asserts itself
in the pauses and nuances
i remember your potential
and i reconcile it with what you have become
and my pride and joy comes from knowing
all that you have accomplished
from then til now
all great things
but even so
in a few small ways
i recognize
that my influence has
marked you
primed you
formed you
claimed you
so long ago
i love who you have become
with such fierce pride
since a little bit of me
gave rise to life within you
and i hope that for your sake
someone worthy will find you soon
who will see all that you have to offer
and walk with you on your path
to bolster you when you struggle
to nurture you when you need it
to help you recognize your own greatness
and take what you have become to new heights
because my pride and joy comes from seeing
just how far you have come
even as i know
how hard your road has been
you have stayed so strong and persevered
even in the face of such pain
you deserve greatness
walking by your side
i love who you have become
with such fierce pride