A Mother's Only Daughter

A Mother's only Daughter

by Jenette Nelson
Mother of Ann Nicole Nelson
who was lost in the WTC on 9-11-01
written between 5:30 and 6:30 a.m. on 2-4-02

When a Mother's only daughter dies-
that Mother's dreams die too.
When a Mother's only daughter dies-
how could her dreams come true?
Who will wear her wedding dress?
Or go with her to tea?
Who can say her hair's a mess?
Or call to get her recipe?

2.
Who can make the sun come out-
simply with a smile or shout?
Who can help her see the joy- and not the sad?
Who can tell her “Lighten up -
your problem’s not so bad!”?

Who can giggle when she’s having
one of her many trying days?
Who can help her see the humor
in her serious ways?
There are some things a Mother
needs her daughter for.
She cannot let her slip away
to be gone for ever more.

3.
That’s why I seek my Annie
I can’t let her go away.
I must seek until I find her-
I must see her every day.
She is my only daughter-
She is my joy and pride.
I must find a way to keep her
ever by my side.
I must speak a brand new language
I must find a way to see.
I must travel to where my Annie is
if she can’t find her way to me.

4.
For she is my only daughter-
no one can take her place.
I must seek until I find her
I must gaze upon her face.

Some people here around me

will not understand my ways,

But I must seek to find my Annie

be it for years or months or days.

I will not stop until I find her

I cannot rest or play.

She is my only daughter

I can’t let her slip away.