What Right? Poem by Pearl L Johns

What right do you have to treat my
child as you now do?
As a babe you would caress his cheek
softly with your gentle fingers
the kindness shining in your eyes.
You would whisper to him
what a special little boy he was to you.

Now, as you are aging, you say 'I have the
right to say what I please. I have earned that right.'
So that gives you the right to batter him
with your mindless barrage of sarcasm
contempt, threats, and hurtful things?
Destined to make him feel less than worthy of your love?

Where is the justice in that?
What right do you have?
What about my child's rights?