Papa Poem by Edwina Reizer

Papa, what is it you want of me?
Papa what is it you want me to be?

Can I not be as I was before
running and romping like a child of four?

Can I not be like a child of six,
writing with chalk on building bricks?

Can I not be like a child of ten,
riding my bicycle over and again?

Papa, what is it you expect of me?
Papa, what do you think I will grow to be?

Can I not be anything I choose
or must I walk within your shoes?

Can I not make my own mistakes
or must I live all your heartaches?

Can I not think you proud of me
even if I choose what you don't want for me?

I cannot promise more than this.
So papa bless me with a kiss.

For papa, I'll do what's best for me,
not what it is you want me to be.