Father:

He stands, solid,

Four-square to the world,

An immovable object,

A babe in his arms,

Arwen by name,

Bestowed by her parents,

Made manifest by water

And the touch, prayer

And blessing of a priest,

The seed planted for

A noble maiden

Her unassuming innocence,

Her silent vulnerability,

Shining, beacon-like,

Lighting the church,

God affirming,

Life affirming.

He, her father,

Unyielding protector,

With total and selfless love,

Knows with obdurate certainty

That he will stand firm,

A shield against

Any tortuous tempest,

Slashing the dark,

That dares try to assail her

God-given light,

And he will prevail!