'Break Free...14/12/09 Poem by Margaret Alice

Lady Bertram in Mansfield Park, lazy, indolent,
her sister, if I remember correctly, raised her
daughter, taught her manners, but never taught
her love – it is impossible

Consideration is an attitude, character revealed,
it cannot be learnt, I presume, her daughter led
astray by Mary’s insouciance, while Fanny re-
fused to join in the fun

You cannot teach people goodness, when another
raises your kids and you criticize them for it, you
should know that disposition is something inborn,
blaming the caretaker is

The most awful indication of ingratitude; why did
you not do it yourself? Do not tell me your were
ousted, impossible to do if your decision to raise
your own kids is strong

Stop criticizing others, accept responsibility for the
consequences of what happened and you will
break free of the darkness inside...

“Mansfield Park” Jane Austen