I stand in awe
Heart brimming and inspired
By her boundless spirit
Lively and wonderful.

Then and now.

First and always
There was adoration
Of her joyous bounce
Snuggly and playful.

Despair followed
As dissatisfaction prevailed
Perceiving others to have more
At times overruling
Essential happiness.

Self-proclaimed princess
Laughingly acknowledged
Fondly accommodated by the doting King
Source of friction with the reluctant Queen.

But no more.

Still a princess
Graduated from girlhood
To lovely woman marked by
Compassionate wisdom
Graceful, thoughtful, loving.

I marvel at her
Focus and inner strength
Her evolution inspires belief
In the promise of the future.

No longer reluctant
I proudly proclaim myself
A subject of Princess Westi.

I stand in awe.
I bow to the Princess.

This post is overdue, as I’ve said before, not for lack of caring or intention. Sometimes it takes a while to say what you mean. And even with time, it’s not always adequate. The above is my attempt at expressing my sentiments about Westi. A poet I am not, but poetry seemed fitting, and so I tried. Although inspired by her college graduation from San José State University (she finished her degree in December 2004, but “walked” last month), a mere congratulatory announcement felt lacking. Westi was never “just” a student. She integrated her studies into a full working, living, breathing life. And her college graduation, although a significant achievement, is just one of so many milestone accomplishments in her life. Not the least of which is the way she has blossomed as a person into an absolutely wonderful human being. That’s not the stuff of ceremony and announcements, but it’s most important to me.

That said … Woo, you worked hard and achieved much. We bask in your glory. CONGRATULATIONS!