My baby girl

The 29th my daughter will turn 14. Where did the time go? I still remember when she would run into my arms and say "I love you Daddy!" She is becoming a compassionate and beautiful young lady. Both inside and out. Sometimes when I see her she is so pretty it makes my heart ache.

Although she is very much like me in that she is stubborn, witty, very pig headed, and spiteful. She is also like her mother. Warm, special, compassionate, and kind. I hope she keeps all of that with her. I am happy and deeply proud to call her my little fluffy pancakes. Daddy loves you.

-Johnny V.

Her Permanent Effects

Her delicate grace and deceitful charm have at last lost their power over my charred soul.

Yet her beauty lingers like the lasting flavor of sweetened rum on my pallet.

My ship is stronger and confident as I steer upon the calm steely ocean.

But her sails still desire the raging, and dangerous wind swept waves of the sea's glorious storm.

Undamaged and polished shores will replete my future voyages.

The heart will perpetually dream stilly of the secret and viperous shores she and I lightly strolled.

-Johnny V.

His Darkened Shell

Her cruel and bitter lies were masked with the sweetest honey.

She craved diligence from all in her presence, but still forsake d the pleas for her's from others.

Like a damaged equine in blinders he noticed not her deceit.

Therefore his addiction to her grace was placed above all else.

He did not feel the withering of his steadiness, until he was required to stand alone.

His clamber from the depths of despair persisted deeper than his slow tumble from dignity.

Buried beneath tear-stained eyes he can at last understand his journey's end.

For at long last the ache of loving her is far greater than the pain of life without.

-Johnny V.

Promises

I own no comfort in his raised hands and holy staff.

My queries have gone unserviced far too long, and no longer can I accept his guidance.

Silence from a God upon a throne of majesty can only sadden and offend a man with a deeply tongue-tied heart.

Rejected yet again I am forced to transfer the God I loved as a child to the lower case.

As my faith whithers I uneasily place the God admired beyond measure into a rarely opened surplus drawer.

My strength diminished I regard the desolate remains of my being.

-Johnny V.