Breaking Away Poem by B. V. Dahlen

You tower above me
Protective and strong.
I stand in your shadow
Where I know I belong.

I dart out on forays,
Exploring my bounds,
And return to a lap
Wherein safety surrounds.

Time passes, I venture
Much further afar;
Secure that asylum
Is there where you are.

Rejecting assistance
I push you away.
Your shadow entangles,
And I can not stay.

With faltering steps,
But no glances behind,
I stand on my own,
And your help does not bind.

The strength that I felt
Out there all on my own
Was fostered and nurtured
and carefully sown.

You gave me the confidence,
Steadied my stand.
You watched as I stepped out,
Let go of my hand.

You cheered each success,
And when e're things were bad
You were right there beside me,
My hero, my Dad.