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Prodigal
My neighbor has a son so smart he could read when he was three.
He is her precious baby child. So often she’s told me
Of all his many awards and such and how he’s blessed her life,
But lately I’ve a feeling that he’s brought her naught but strife.
She had an awful marriage and his Dad would leave for days,
So when Dad WAS around the house he lavished Son with praise.
No matter if deserved or not that boy was solid gold.
No criticism did Dad hear nor any tale they told.
For Son in grade school learned that he could do no wrong at home,
And so he acted as he pleased and teachers were all wrong.
He always had a valid “why” the thing he did was right,
And Dad allowed the reasoning. Believed with all his might.
My friend had tried so many times to make a change for good,
But when she chanced to discipline, against them both she stood.
A house divided will not stand and the fall of theirs was great.
The Dad walked out one Saturday with no backward glance at mate.
The Son was devastated then and worked to be a terror.
He acted up in every way with all his earthly power.
At age fourteen when legally the choice could be his own,
He chose to live with gullible dad and left his mother’s home.
I saw today in the daily news his name under “ARRESTS”.
Stealing checks and cashing them, he knows the “why” I guess,
But Mom is staying closed inside the house where once he played,
And praying that her precious child can somehow now be saved.
Parents take a lesson from mistakes you see in others,
Don’t choose up sides and play a game in love that only smothers.
There is no winner when your child can bend you to his will.
You have one solitary chance your values to instill.
My friend would gladly give her all for one more day to try
To teach her son some morals, how to do the thing that’s right.
So take control while you have time to save your children grief,
Teach the ten commandments before they’re grown and leave.
Such a sad story and I have just read its counterpart. I feel for this mother that I know loves her son with all of her heart. Your words of wisdom shared here with all of us should be heeded! My daughter was a very difficult child. So strong willed. If I gave her an inch she would take a mile. She was a master at trying to play her father and I against each other. Because I loved her so I would not give the inch and neither would her father. She is today so warm and loving and has thanked us for the guidence we forced her to accept. Perhaps if you get the chance to visit my site you would enjoy reading A Note From Mom. ~Lesa~
Jessica, you have hit the nail on the head with this one! In my life, I have seen this so many times. It is true that a family that does not stand together will fall and fail! The poem Is sensational and written about a subject that I could go on and on about for hours... But I will spare you for now.
Keep on writing the truth, I love it!!
Peace and love ~~~~ Dougie ~~~
An old lesson well spoken.