The Little Girl I Once Knew

I guess the time has finally come.

The child is no more.

And soon the daughter that we raised...

Will waltz right out our door!

Our daughter with the chocolate face

Is now going out on dates.

And though it is a fact of life...

It's something Daddy hates.

Dad doesn't want to hear the news,

How Gracie got a kiss.

The days of Daddy being King...

Twill soon be sorely missed.

The little girl who loped down halls

Pretending she was horse;

Once sat around and played with dolls...

But now she's changed her course!

Soon she'll register to vote.

Drive to college every day.

Poor Dad can only sit and watch...

While his daughter drifts away!

But just so everyone is clear

She will be greatly missed.

The reasons why – I'm proud to say...

Are too numerous to list!

And though I wish her all the best.

Inside I' m sad and glad.

I'm glad she gets to start her life...

But sad for poor old Dad.

'Cause daughters love to gain their freedom,

But Dads just miss and worry.

So 'bout his daughter's leaving home...

This Dad is in no hurry.

'Cause Dad will cherish all the times

She offered him a hug.

And the good old times they often shared...

Will on his heart strings tug.

Forgive me if I act upset,

And seem a little blue.

But I've lost the sweetest thing in life...

“The Little Girl that I Once Knew”!

Clint Gardner 2012