To Your Daughter

when your daughter asks you if she's pretty,
looking like the universe is weighing down her
little bones with insecurity, resist the urge to say
"of course, darling. Of course you are."

Tell her instead: "Everyday, i bless the stars that
fell apart to allow your body's embers to glow to
life."

Tell her instead: " in the seven billion that exist on this
planet you are the only one of your kind."

Tell her instead: "You are so much more than pretty.
The stars that gave you to me made you to
be like the sun. You are their best ever
masterpiece. You aren't pretty. You, my dear
are inspiring."