D A U G H T E R S      I have such lovely daughters,   Each unique in her own way, If asked to pick a favorite   This is what I'd say..     Could I pick a single flower,   From a garden I had grown? One single solitary bloom,   From the seed that I have sown? One might rise up to the sky,   And stand out from the rest. Another have the fragrance   That I've always liked the best. One might have the etchings   Of a smile upon its face. Another have the simple form   Of poetry and grace One might have the petals   Soft as velvet kissed with dew, And yet my choice among them all   Might have a crimson hue. How could I choose a favorite   Among those I have borne? When even from a perfect rose. . .   You'll find a furtive thorn. No, I'd never choose one single bloom   To brighten up my day. Instead I'd gather them into   One delightful spring bouquet. From the moment they were given me   To nurture and to love . . I knew a special gift was sent   From Heaven up above There's no such thing as loving one    More dearly than another I just thank God that I'm the one    He chose to be their mother. ©Dawn Stratton  1993