Daddy what will you leave me?

When I saw her sitting there looking out the window with a vacant stare.
I picked her up and placed her on my knee then proceeded to ask very gently.
What's wrong little one, what's on your mind?
What thoughts do you have that dampen your shine.

With eyes so intelligent, curious and bright,
she asks me so pleasantly but yet so polite.
Daddy what will you leave me when I'm all grown?
Will there be an economy or will we be owned.
Will I be able to have a car, a job, a house one day,
or will I be taking care of past debts left for me to pay.
I tell her don't worry little dear, things will get better just wait and see.
You need to have patience just like me.

What about religion, where will it be?
People forgetting what we were taught to believe.
Daddy, if we are suppose to cherish, love and obey,
will it ever get better if we all look away?
Why can't we get past our differences, work together and be strong,
or will the fighting continue until we're all gone?
I tell her don't worry little one there is a plan just wait and see.
You need to have patience just like me.

What about our planet where will it be?
if we continue to abuse our resources and cut down the trees?
Daddy, will I be able to plant flowers, grow vegetables, watch animals live off the land,
or will the earth be polluted, ozone depleted and have empty gas cans.
Isn't anyone going to heed Mother Nature's warnings,
or are we going to ignore all her signs the hurricanes, the earthquakes and global warming?
I tell her don't worry my little sweet. It will all work out just wait and see.
All you need is patience just like me.

What about our government where will it be?
Will there still be one around to protect me?
Daddy, will we be able to have government work for us,
or will it end up controlling everything, the heath care, the banks, manufacturing,
because they feel they must?
Why can't we work harder to make America great,
or is it just easier to sit on the side lines and debate?
I tell her don't worry my little love. It will pull through just wait and see.
All you need is patience just like me.

What about you my amazing dad?
All this sitting around waiting is making me sad.
If you wait and do nothing, things may never change;
letting others control the outcome, you have no right to complain.
Aren't things just going to continue to fester,
if you don't do things to make your children's life better?

I want to believe all that you say,
that things will all get better someday.
My dearest daddy don't you see,
the only way things will change is if you care more than me.

I sat and held her not saying a word.
I rocked her gently thinking about what I just heard.
Looking at her sweet little face I finally spoke,
It is my goal to be a good father,
I guess this means I need to try harder.

Written by: Kevin Chertkow
For all my children and yours