Welcome to day fourteen of National Poetry Writing Month. Grace is currently away on a residential trip with her school. Whenever she is away, I start to think what it will be like when she has grown up and gone. I would like to help her not make the same mistakes as me when it comes to choosing a partner, so today’s poem is for her, ‘Advice for my Daughter’.

Advice for my Daughter

Don’t let them keep you a secret
Don’t let them string you along
Don’t let them take you for a fool
Because, my darling, it’s wrong

Don’t let them get away with lies
Don’t let them call you names
Don’t ever let them threaten you
My darling, you’re not always to blame

Don’t ever let them put you down
Don’t let them stop you seeing your friends
Don’t let them tell you how to dress
My darling, please make sure that it ends

Find someone who balances you
Find someone who admits when they’re wrong
Find someone who encourages you
They will make you feel strong

Find someone who shares with you
Find someone who is loving and kind
Find someone who compliments you
I hope this is the one you will find

Victoria Welton 14th April 2016