Learning About Peace And Solitude Poem by RoseAnn V. Shawiak

Remembering the sound of a screen door slamming behind me,
excited and filled with an enticing passion, wanting to
join and become one with nature once again.

Never tiring of being immersed in the forest, our front
yard right before us, giving a wonderful childhood as we
six sisters laughed and played for hours on end outside.

Running, climbing trees, jumping from them, swinging on
our tire swing, trying to catch frogs and tadpoles in the
stream out front of our house, playing dolls.

Hollering, yelling, screaming with delight, having the
time of our lives, Mom and Dad keeping an eye on us through
the front bay window.

Always ready to give first aid if needed for bruised knees
or elbows, they were good parents, never hitting us, never
having to, because we were pretty good most of the time.

Spending our time outdoors, learning what peace and solitude
were all about, learning to pray when we could talk, saying
the rosary every night as we all knelt together as family.

Teachers by example, teaching by their actions and example,
not loud shouting, cursing and foul language like I hear
parents using with their children nowadays.

Taking out their frustrations and anger against their own
precious children, hitting and slapping them needlessly it
seems most of the time.

Oh for the blessed days when parents were their children's
good examples, teaching right from wrong, teaching morals
and ethics at the same time.