Tribute poems from Sen. Pinckney's daughters

These poems were included in the funeral program for Sen. Clementa Pinckney, distributed to 5,000 mourners crowded into Charleston's TD Arena on June 26, 2015, for his services.

Pinckney, pastor at "Mother" Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, was among nine people slain by gunfire June 17, 2015, in an attack. One of Pinckney's daughters, Malana, was at the church with her mother, Jennifer Pinckney. They survived because they were in the pastor's office. Jennifer Pinckney wrote a letter to her late husband that also was published in the program.

To My Daddy:

When someone loves you they care

Even if they are not there

They motivate you to prosper and believe

In any of your dreams

They watch over you day and night

To make sure you are doing alright

They believe in you and treat you well

And I may not show it but he won't care

This person I am talking about here today

Is my dear father who passed away

And although he may be gone

He's there with me all day and night long.

I will always remember and love you.

Eliana --

Dear Daddy:

I know you were shot at the Church

and you went to Heaven.

I love you so much!

I know you love me

and I know that you know that I love you too.

You have done so much for me.

I can't say it all. You will be watching over me

And you will be in my heart. I love you!

Love your baby girl and grasshopper.

Malana

This story was originally published June 26, 2015 at 4:45 PM with the headline "Tribute poems from Sen. Pinckney's daughters."