The art of parenting

Sought a son

to achieve high

over and beyond

his age and height

 

hauling him away

forcing, from friends

the mother with hopes

cast him amidst wolves

 

encouraging greatness

discouraging listlessness

she carved a scaredy-cat

out of a sheer underdog.

Giving way

Since he arrived in Magtown 55 years ago, Djon had worked hard to earn the respect he now received. Like many youngsters, he started in the mines. Unlike most, however, he’d had the passion to improve not only his life but also others’. Soon, he’d grown to start his own factory.

Thanks to Djon, the town had railway lines, continuous power supply, and on-demand medical services. Whenever they saw him on the street, people always gave him way.

But he gave way only to her. He’d stand back while his Labrador, wagging, strutted through the house demanding her share of respect.

Behalf

It’s not about what you say
or how you say it—

words are powerful
they pierce, they shatter
yet words can seal,
try to heal—
chasms or cracks
solace in words
we often find

It’s not what you say
or how you say it

it’s the who.

Proxies promise proximity
but ravage relationships.