Article
The Dance Between Fathers and Daughters
Author(s):
There is a delicate and precious dance between a father and his daughter...
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POETRY
“Daddy will dance with me?”
As a father of an almost 3 year old, I have become accustomed to this daily query. It warms my heart to dance cheek-to-cheek and twirl my darling princess. These are the moments when time seems to stand still and music transmits infinite joy between kindred souls.
Fathers must be intentional when cultivating a healthy bond with their daughters. Validation, transparency, and vulnerability are key ingredients to help this relationship flourish. We must serve as role models throughout their journey of life. May we always remember that life is an unpredictable, and a lively dance requires trust between 2 partners.
I pray that this poem inspires reflection for all of the fathers and daughters across the globe.
Daddy-Daughter Waltz
Young caramel countenance
replete with joy
hands of wonder
extend with trust
music a language of love
a speechless connection
Daddy’s princess
regal and elegant cheeks
a symbol of grace
magnetic for parental wisdom
and embrace
Four impassioned feet
a harmonious dance
savoring bright
transitions through the waltzes of life
Ageless mutual adoration
daddy-daughter
a covalent bond
petite dancer ascends
heaven’s stage smiles
a storybook ending
Dr Clark is an outpatient psychiatrist at Prisma Health-Upstate and clinical associate professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville. He served on the American Psychiatric Association’s Task Force to Address Structural Racism Throughout Psychiatry, and he currently serves as the Diversity and Inclusion section editor and advisory board member for Psychiatric TimesTM.
