The Note Poem by Adeline Foster

The Note

Rating: 4.6


What is this note laid under the lamp
Written in a childish scrawl?
It annoys me when I think of that scamp
And look at the empty hall.
Molly has gone down by the fence;
She was here but a moment ago.
I’ve been angry and have taken the chance
To scold her for I know
She dreams away her waking hours,
When night was made for them.
She never does her chores until
I’ve told her again and again.
She’s sulking and I know she thinks
That the neighbor’s boy has time to dream
And hours to play all day.
And she wishes she could be like him
And never put her toys away.
And never be scolded for spilling her milk,
And never be told what to do.
For they never yell or trounce him behind
And he’s such a bad boy, too.
I wish I knew what to do with the child
For someday she’ll be grown.
I don’t want to be harsh yet all the while
I worry what she’ll become.
And here’s this note that can hardly be read.
I swear I don’t know how that child will live.
I picked up the note and all it said
Was, “I love you.” and, “Please forgive.”

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Lorraine Colon 14 May 2013

What a sweet poem - tugged at my heartstrings. Children will have that effect upon us, bless them all! Always nice to read your words.

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Owain Glyn 18 May 2013

Children, through generations, have had the innate ability to make us feel guilty, long may it continue.

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Danny Draper 20 May 2013

A nice write. Throughout history parents have worried and children rebelled and yet we endure and love finds its way and always will. Thank you.

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Heather Wilkins 24 May 2013

a nice write. children will be children. they never change, they know how to annoy us and make us feel guilty

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Elena Sandu 24 May 2013

Yes very true! This all they need! The he children shall survive anything if they have love and forgiveness seeded into their hearts!

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Roseann Shawiak 21 October 2013

Awesome poem. Children have a way into our hearts even when we're upset with them - the note touched my heart with a smile and tear. As a Mom and Grandma, I have been there myself many times. Your poem tells it so perfectly. RoseAnn

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Shahzia Batool 10 July 2013

On great and responsible seats there is always a training session, and internship goes before, but motherhood is that office which has no training before, she has to go through this experience moment by moment: I wish I knew what to do with the child For someday she’ll be grown. I don’t want to be harsh yet all the while... the dramatic poem! ! !

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Louis Rams 04 July 2013

this is a beautiful story, but the most beautiful part is her note to you I love you -please forgive

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What a strong yet tender poem. As a mother and grandmother, I've fought that battle many times. Thank you for a lovely poem. Alice

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James Mclain 22 June 2013

And to think of what the bible says. About when man comes of age, he shall. Put away his toys and to act this, his age. I always look forward to your word's, Adeline. And I thank you.......iip

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Adeline Foster

Adeline Foster

Instructor of poetry, Hagerstown, MD
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