navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #26 » An Only Child Complaint
Open Poetry #26
Post A Reply Post New Topic An Only Child Complaint Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
Honeybee
Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372
Ontario, CANADA

0 posted 2003-06-01 12:41 PM



An Only Child Complaint

I am solitary, only, and behold the task ahead,
but, I am one, alone, and the view from the top is lonely
as the wind is heavy sorrow sullen.
But that’s alright, my shoulders are strong
and I shall carry the weight for you.

I’ll be your new beginning
all the while forcing my smile to an end.

I get an A, then again it’s not an A plus.
I run a marathon, but it’s not around the world.
I’ll try a little harder, push a little farther
to satisfy your right to boast
and compare notes to other parents.
And I’m sure you’ll feel better.

You tell me to be myself, to try my best
but only if it fits your standards.
And I’ll never give up and I’ll never give in
though you gave up a long time ago;
And, I’ll wear the red cape and block the kryptonite
and mute your screams to laughs.

So, I’ll make up for all the children you wanted
yet never had,
I’ll be a carbon copy of you,
erase the bad.
I’ll bear the strain of your tears, goals and fears
so you’ll feel better about all the wrong choices you’ve made.

You say you love me,
yet there is no acceptance or understanding,
that I too, must pave my own path in life
rather than painting your cobble stone road with gold
of my sacrifice and wasted years.

Regret is a shadow
and I wear its cloak well
so your eyes may find blind peace
but underneath my skin remains the emptiness
for being your puppet, sky strings that deny the sun.

I’d get up and be perfect,
but all your hopes and aspirations
are pinning me to the ground
and yet again I fail you
because I can’t make up for the day you lost yourself.

By Melissa Long-Monette


© Copyright 2003 Melissa P. Long-Monette - All Rights Reserved
Midnitesun
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
1 posted 2003-06-01 12:57 PM


How incredibly sad, Melissa, that you feel this pain and that your parent feels pain, both pains tied to the umbilical cord of false expectations. I'm wishing you both a gentle release, and allow one another just to BE what you must be, without yoking the other to the ground.
passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
2 posted 2003-06-01 01:08 PM


there were three of us...I'm the baby (the last) the middle brother killed himself, and the older brother made a good life for himself, makes lots of money but is very unhappy...guess one never knows...
littlewing
Member Rara Avis
since 2003-03-02
Posts 9655
New York
3 posted 2003-06-01 03:36 PM


Melissa:

so very true . . .

Regret is a shadow
and I wear its cloak well

we all do now dont we?

and you pinned it with the living through you notion . . .

Just be yourself - thats good enough for you and the world with just have to deal with it . . .

Getting stronger you are even though I know
in my heart you feel weak . . .
thats when it comes together
xxoo

Larry C
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286
United States
4 posted 2003-06-03 10:58 PM


Aw Melis,
You do know that we only endure the strings we wear. But I must say that I am so proud of who you are and what you've done. This Sagitarrius is running short on daughters you know....

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Bill Charles
Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619
highways, & byways, for now
5 posted 2003-06-04 06:52 AM


Honeybee - so pretty a smile, so sad of what you write. My best to you...

BC

Auguste
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Elite
since 2000-02-16
Posts 3953
By the sea
6 posted 2003-06-05 10:10 PM


Melissa, my son, my only child, is also an artist like myself, yet I don't expect him to be me.  He has no strings, is allowed to become who it is he's supposed to become.  I have no great expectations, only that he become a good and decent man one day.  That's would be enough and show me that I did well as a father.  My best to you, dear friend.  This poem touched me.     
Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
7 posted 2003-06-05 10:52 PM


Melissa sweetie....

   Just....  BE.

~Hugs & Love, Nancy~

~Somewhere in my heart I'm always
dancing with you in the summer rain~

BluesSerenade
Member Patricius
since 2001-10-23
Posts 10549
By the Seaside
8 posted 2003-06-05 11:03 PM


Regrets are certainly not a collectors item,
but somehow Melissa, you've managed to covey a deep charm in your honesty!

This is our life, our one and only dream.

Nicely done Poetess~

Aenimal
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-18
Posts 7350
the ass-end of space
9 posted 2003-06-07 05:44 PM


I just can't relate to this I get along so well with my family that this is just beyond me..that sarcasm was brought to you by Raph's Dark Side
Mistletoe Angel
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 5 Tours
Member Empyrean
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon
10 posted 2003-06-07 05:50 PM




(big hugggssssssss) The way I see it, expectations shouldn't be a part of a parent and child's relationship, that is, expectations that are invented by a parent, and responsibility and respect are the two only real expectations! I have to admit I do not listen to my parents sometimes, and not because I don't love them or because I think they're foolish, but simply because if they love me completely they should allow me to follow my instincts as being is simply what I believe in! I don't want to become a clone of my mother or father and will appreciate their traditions and respect their astrology they cherish, but I must take this road with my own heart! (sigh) God Bless You, sweet friend, I send many angel hugs your way, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Melissa, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

Underneath your clothes, there's an endless story

***Shakira***

Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #26 » An Only Child Complaint

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary