In loco parentis
By jfarrell
The October, before my CSE’s…
My ‘parents’ went on strike;
My children’s home was closed, overnight….
Very violently.
I cut my ties with my family, that night; forever;
And my coursework, homework projects and text books
I didn’t realise the ashes floating past me was my future;
I didn’t even know a fire had been started.
Who’d worry bout all the ‘A’ grades they were expected to get;
Who’d say goodbye, forever, to mum, dad, and younger sister?
Who’d be so arrogant? So stupid?
A 15 year old kid, scared of growing up to be his dad?
I have always been my ‘in loco parentis’;
You see a nearly 50 year old man;
I am 6 years old, trying to talk my dad outta beating me
Learning that the ‘very free sweets, toys and comics’ have a price;
My parents were not fit enough!
And the children’s home…. I need parents… politics? Strike?
In this world, this life, that has never made any sense….
How have I done? As a parent?
I think, I’d have had me locked up, long ago.
Not fit, to be near children….
Or anyone.