Petrified Poem by Margaret Alice Second

I grew up petrified in a series of family fights
and survived by turning my eyes inside, no-
one to love, nowhere to seek refuge where
three adults lacked self-esteem in a pitch-
black mist of loathing and defiance

I learnt to abhor this life, reject the world and
values these Pharisees tried to instil - found
my own set of principles in books & dreams,
could not stand organised religion or
being part of any system

Then you came, we created our own space
within a different universe - you were king
given your iron constitution and willingness
to steer, not allowing phantoms of the past
to strangle our joie de vivre

Now petrified again as you fight the neglect that
blighted your youth by offering too much to the
kids, too soon - expecting thanks where there
is only childish fear for this big life you plan
for them - beware extremes -

Calm down, the time will come when they will
understand and appreciate everything you
dreamt for them…