To Be My Heart and Soul

By EH
Dedicated to my heart and soul, Mersedez

My daughter Mersedez is my heart and soul
because when she’s sad, I’m sad
When she’s mad, I’m mad
When she’s sick, I’m sicker
When she’s thinking about me,
I feel it when she has something on her mind to tell me
I can feel it and when she gets hurt, I feel it
When she was four years old,
She fell and busted her chin open and had to get stitches
And guess who has the scar now, I do
Now that’s what I call my heart and soul and I love her with all my heart

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12 Comments

  1. Hayley on April 13, 2020 at 4:27 PM

    Hi EH,

    Your love for Mersedez is so clear and beautiful; she is lucky to have a parent as devoted as you. I think you’ve described your sense a empathy that you’ll only know once you have a child of your own. I do not know it yet, but I hope if I have children in the future, that I’ll have the same kind of connection to that you do with your daughter. This poem is cheerful because you can feel your happiness of being Mersedez’s parent, but sad, because the ending implies you my not see her as much as you may like. Thank you for your vulnerability and honesty in sharing this!

  2. Alejandra Martinez on April 17, 2020 at 2:24 PM

    EH,
    This is a beautiful poem about your daughter. I can really feel the love you have for her and I hope you have a great relationship with her. Thank you for sharing this poem about her.

  3. Gabriella on April 22, 2020 at 12:35 AM

    I love this so much. The love a parent has for their child does not compare; it is selfless and pure. I like the repetition of “when she’s…”. It really shows the depth of love you have for your daughter, that when she’s affected by something, you are too.

  4. Jocelyn Matos on April 28, 2020 at 12:34 PM

    Having children is a bond that can not be explained. Giving birth to a baby is forever embedded and unforgettable. You job is to keep them alive longer than you. They are apart of you and become more important than you. I love how you expressed the feeling of there pain. I don’t like when they are sick, I don’t like when they get hurt, I cant bare to witness the scars that have been left on them. It hurts me as if it happened to me. I rather it be me.

  5. kassidilenae on June 11, 2020 at 12:13 AM

    EH,

    Thank you for taking the time to write this. Your words are so genuine. It is a blessing to have a mother that displays such unconditional love. I know you daughter would be proud reading this.

    Keep writing!

  6. armani739 on September 15, 2020 at 9:05 PM

    Hi EH,

    First and foremost, thank you for sharing this personal and sensitive poem. It was beautifully written. Although I have no children, your words somehow drive through me and possibly feel what parents feel for their children. I like how each of your lines go back and forth tying your daughters experiences and feelings with your own. Again, thank you for sharing!

  7. Trish on October 19, 2020 at 6:56 PM

    My favorite line from your poem is, “She fell and busted her chin and had to get stiches| and guess who has the scar now, I do.” The love of a parent for their child is so strong, beautiful and unconditional. I love the rhythm of your poem. It makes me feel the waves of peace and love.

  8. shai on February 24, 2021 at 11:35 AM

    EH,

    This is a beautiful poem! Your love for your child really shines through your words, and even those without children are able to imagine what you’re feeling – that is the power of a greatly written poem. Talking about how you feel her emotions, and her pain, really demonstrates the connection you have with her. Thank you for sharing!

  9. Martina on March 1, 2021 at 3:22 PM

    Dear EH,
    What a beautiful poem about your daughter, you encapsulate parenthood in such a strong way. Mersedez is blessed to have you as a parent, someone who loves her unconditionally and is there for her, feeling her joys and sorrow. This poem made me grateful to my own parents and gave me insight into how they must feel with me. A parents love is so strong. The flow of the poem is wonderful and puts me at peace. Continue the great work!
    Best,
    M

  10. Emily H on April 16, 2021 at 5:26 PM

    Hi EH, my name is Emily and I attend college in Detroit. I was brought to this page by one of my classes in which we are engaging in community and service outside of our university. I had to respond to your poem for two reasons: one being that we have the same initials, EH, and two being the love for your daughter shining through. I could feel through the whole poem how your daughter is your life line and saving grace. The love you have for her seems so powerful and I can tell that you are a great parent. The poem felt personal and sincere and I felt a connection with you even though I have no children of my own. I share a deep bond with my parents as well and know that they will always be there for me. This seems to be the case with you and your daughter. The bond you have can’t be broken even if you have to spend some time apart. Thank you for your vulnerability in your poem and I hope that when I have kids of my own I can share the same bond you do with your daughter. She would be proud to read this!

  11. Emily H on April 29, 2021 at 11:57 PM

    Hi EH, my name is Emily and I attend school in Detroit. As part of one of my English classes we are focusing on service and community, and that is how I came across this website. The first reason I responded to your poem was because we have the same initials. As I started reading, I soon realized how much love you have your daughter. You hurt when she does and feel every emotion that she goes through. I love how you put your emotions out there with us. Your daughter is very lucky to have you. I hope that one day when I have children, I can give them the same love that you give your daughter. Thank you for sharing this piece of your life with us.

  12. Ayzhiana Basallo on May 16, 2021 at 1:33 AM

    Your poem really made me think about my own dad. And how he loves me so much and that all he feels is what I feel as well. My dad is my everyhthing and I am glad you shared this poem. I felt so much emtion within it.

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