Confessions From A Grown Child

Fights at school,

Fights at home,

Yes; I did that.

Listen to loud music,

Get in with the wrong crowd,

Fall in love with the wrong people,

Yes; I did that.

Never listen,

Say stupid things,

Be 'too soft,'

Yes; I did that.

Wild nights dancing,

Forget my homework,

Cry when I was angry,

Overreact,

Become mouthy

Yes, I did those things too

And you?

What did you do?

Sent me to my room,

After you hit me,

Told me I was stupid,

Made me feel thick,

Made me fight when I was bullied,

Though you always knew that I was not fond of fighting,

Told me to 'toughen up'

When I cried because I was hurting;

You called me names,

Punished me for having feelings.

But,

You forgot;

I was a child growing up,

Was I worth your love or praise?

Because I never felt it.