I've held quite a few jobs over the years and each presented its own set of challenges. But, the most difficult job I have ever had is the one I don't get paid for, being a parent. And, while I wouldn't change it for the world, there are days when my daughters (especially my preteen) do their best to send me to a mental institution. This poem is for them.
Even When You Don't Deserve It (A Poem)
by StevenHelmer
A poem for my daughters about the trials and tribulations they put their mother and me through.
My Poem
I don't understand
Why you continually choose to push my buttons?
And, when I try to teach you right from wrong
Must you always ignore me or constantly butt in?
Why does every conversation I try to have with you
Seem to turn into an argument?
And, do you always need to twist my own words against me?
It's not like you REALLY didn't know what I meant.
 Stress Photo courtesy of Pixabay |
Each day, my grey hairs
Grow in number.
And, I just can't remember the last time
I managed to have a decent-night's slumber.
When you're not stressing me out
Over your grades or something else at school,
There's always something else you manage to make me worry about
Man, that's just not cool.
Oh, and since we're talking about this,
Would it kill you to occasionally take out the garbage or pick up a broom?
I've lost track about how long I've been asking
You to clean up that bedroom.
 Broom Photo courtesy of Pixabay |
There is simply no doubt,
You kids have been a major challenge.
True, there are plenty of great moments.
You just have a knack of making the number of bad ones seem unbalanced.
But, just so I don't seem like I'm complaining too much,
I also want you to know this.
No matter how bad a mood you put me in,
If you fall, I'll still pick you up and your wounds I'll still kiss.
I might always be the first to let you know
When you aren't traveling down the right track,
However, I'll still be right there behind you,
I'll always be there to have your back.
You may push me to the brink of insanity
And leave me at the end of my wits.
But, my love is unconditional and I'll always still be there for you
Even when you don't deserve it.
More By This Writer
 | A Messy House is a Home In this companion book to "Love Poems for My Wife," Steven Helmer uses poetry to express his feelings about being a husband, a parent and about life in general. |
 | The Icky, Sticky Mess on the Floor A young boy discovers a mess in on his kitchen floor one morning and, before he knows it, is trapped as the icky, sticky mess grows larger. Can his mother save the day? The book... |
Updated: 11/21/2016, StevenHelmer
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Comments
StevenHelmer, Thank you for your poem and the product lines.
In particular, I like your presentation of your poem. The visual pattern makes me think of monitored heart beats and recorded sound waves.
For me, this sentence summarizes the entire poignancy when young'uns end up getting told, "It's not like you REALLY didn't know what I meant."
Oh man, have I been there. I've raised 4 kids. My youngest is 18 and I have a suggestion. I am in the process of moving, and that means my house must be spotless for showings. My son refuses to clean up his room, and I HAVE to because of our situation. He has a job, and earns his own money, and your daughters may be too young, but if they earn an allowance or something you have some leverage. Hit them in the pocketbook.. it works. I told my son that each time I have to go clean his room he will pay me $10. So far, he is doing a poor job - what he calls cleaned up, is not in agreement with me. So I am earning money for my maid duties. He doesn't like it, but there is an easy fix. It's up to him.
I've found that it is nearly impossible to reason with teens. They simply don't think like adults, but they believe they know everything! It's very frustrating - I know. You must find the one thing that each of them would really hate to lose... and use that as leverage. They will be mad, but they will respect you - eventually - for outsmarting them. :) Try not to let them pull you into their ridiculous arguments. Stay cool... at least on the outside!
You are not alone. Anyone who has had kids in this age group has been there at one time or another. Some kids are easier than others. My daughter was quite easy. It's the boys who gave me the most grief.
And remember, they will be grown up one day. This too shall pass.