Daughter That I Never Had

By John I. Blair

Daughter that I never had
From an island that I’ve never seen
Whose native songs I cannot sing
Or understand.

I guess what moves within your mind,
What Malaysian memories,
Birds and blooms and animals,
Scents from crowded market stalls.

I love you as my very own,
True partner to my single son,
But can never really grasp
Just who you are.

And yet the progeny I leave,
My heritage down through the years,
Will half be you within their genes
And share with you these mysteries.

(For Chiew Fui Chyi Blair)

©2005 John I. Blair