To My Dearest Victoria

To Victoria, with love

To yourself, always be true,
Be true through the clear times and the blue.
Always be a cheerful little doll,
Throughout your growth from small to tall.
Never, ever fear to shed tears,
For they keep from your soul that which sears.
Let love always be your guide,
For you are always a source of God's great pride.
Choose your friends as you would choose fine wine:
With class, esteem, with a sense of refine.
All days are not always sweet as rum,
So be patient, and learn to deal with those some.
My dearest Victoria, this is for you.
Just remember that I was once young, too.
Keep your chin high all of the time,
And in the end, everything will be sublime.