I have written poetry and songs since a young age, but the inspiration often doesn't hit unless I am feeling the hardest of emotions. In the weeks following Nieva's diagnosis I was feeling those raw feelings and a lot of writing followed. This is a song I wrote in response to the fears and emotions surrounding her losing her hair. Such a trivial thing in the long run, but created such a powerful narrative in my thoughts.

My daughter Nieva, 4 years old.  Taken by Rache Ebel of Kealoha Creative — My daughter Nieva, 4 years old. Taken by Rache Ebel of Kealoha Creative

Flowers in a Crown

Copyright Amanda Boer 2013
May 11, 2013

She is the one
That leads 1000 rays
Of sunshine sweet
Through darkest of days

Smile little sweet
With flowers in your hair
Tender little feet
tender little prayers

Smile little sweet
With flowers in your hair
Today today
wear flowers in your hair

We know the fall is coming
And you’re more than a blossom
You will beat it running
And keep us all but solemn

And you’ll say
"Smile Mama sweet
the flowers all fell down
tomorrow, yes tomorrow
let’s put flowers in a crown
I may not have my hair
Let’s put flowers in a crown".

Patience is a hardship
And pain is but a stone
Know I hold your hand my sweet
We don’t do this alone

And she’ll say "Smile Mama sweet
I love the flowers in my crown
The flowers in my crown
Yes the flowers in my crown".