My Daddy has big, blue eyes,
big, bushy eyebrows
and big soft hands.
My Daddy is a big softie.

When I’m going to Derry
My Daddy buys in
my favourite sticky buns
from Doherty’s bakery.
My Daddy brings me to Fiorentini’s
for banana splits.
My Daddy instructs me
not to work too hard
or too late.

As a first year student at Thornhill
I was convinced
that My Daddy had the most important job
of all of the Daddies in my class.
I proudly told my class mates
that every year
My Daddy picked the Christmas tree for Derry
that would stand outside the Guildhall.
I was so proud of him!

But the most important thing
about My Daddy
is that My Daddy loves me
and makes me feel special.
In the love that My Daddy has for me
I catch a brief glimpse of the love
that My God has for me
and I feel truly blessed.

No matter how grown-up I am,
or how many responsibilities I undertake in life,
in My Daddy’s eyes,
I’m still his wee girl,
his Wee Dote.

When I say the words, “My Daddy”,
I always say them with pride
and with love.

© Claire Murray