A note to my child
68
In a few years, when the time is right, I will share this with my children. Many of these thoughts are not my own; they've been expressed more eloquently and fittingly by great minds of our time, and of those times before ours; yet they mirror what parenthood has taught me.
I think that one day
you will understand why
some fly over the cuckoo's nest
some take the road less traveled
some stop by woods on a snowy evening
some have a dream
and some dedicate
an ode to joy.
I hope that one day
you will appreciate the notion
that to find contentedness
some choose to listen to a tiny song
read a good poem
look at a fine painting
and hopefully utter some reasonable words
every day.
I pray that one day
you will exhibit the serenity
to accept the things you cannot change
locate the courage
to change the things you can
and draw on your wisdom
to distinguish
between those two.
I wish that one day
you can honestly agree
I gave you first roots
and then wings
a sense of family
a sense of community
and the tools to develop
a sense of self.
I imagine that one day
you will gaze in awe
at a tiny human being
blossoming, growing, rebelling, escaping
before your eyes
and remember
that all you have to do
is envelop her with love.
I suppose that one day
as you storm out the door
you will exclaim
that you know more about life
and yourself than I ever will
still, recognizing deep down
that you will always find a home
in your Mama's heart.
I dream that one day
you will look your child in the eye
and reassure him
that his existence
has defined for you the meaning of life
and that whatever may come
you will always be there
to guide and to gently release.
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Thanks, Peggy. They sure are :).
Agree with Peggy, and glad for the reminder of the Serenity Prayer. But your poem transcended all your references and your poem is the ultimate sentiment.
It's a sure thing that many mothers feel the way you do, but also sure that there are not enough. I also liked the non-gender neutral approach, and you switched them beautifully. The whole thing flowed. Thank you.
Alexander Mark - Until my kids are ready to read this, I will use it as a reminder to myself. While I may have the best intentions as a mother, it's easy to forget all my hopes and dreams for my kids amidst the chaos of daily life; I am sure that goes for many parents. Thank you for the kind feedback, and I wish you serenity as well - always.
Lucky children. Lucky you. I love the way you embraced all of the inevitabilities... the uncertainties, the storms, the crossroads. I also like the way you have acknowledged that you can not give peace- just teach the tools by which to find it and where to find it. That it can be found in the little (big) things is an essential life-lesson. You obviously know that, and value it. In my opinion, you are laying a good foundation for your little one. Bravo. I loved this as I do everything you write.
Linda - By embracing the inevitable, I am literally trying to brace myself. If I can get across to them that the search for peace and balance is a worthy quest, then I've won half the battle, I think. Thanks for all the encouragement and reassurance, my fellow thinker. I've got some catching up to do with your hubs; you've been busy!
By far one of the most beautiful poems I have ever read. Embracing every step along the way, with the sheer essence of loving kindness and compassion. You have captured the wonders, hopes and dreams so delicately.
Delicately intricate the real moments of life yet none as intimate and fragile as the bond between a mother and her children.
Your children are fortunate,
Sage
High praise, Sage - thank you, thank you. If we can distill that essence in everyday life of embracing the children in our life (and in ourselves), we've truly found wonder.
An absolutely beautiful hub Zollstock. Thank you so much for sharing with us. I am so glad that I found you on here and will be back in a bit to read more of your work. Take care.
Many thanks, Eiddwen, for stopping by and commenting.
Peggy W Level 8 Commenter 2 years ago
Beautiful...absolutely beautiful.