I wrote this poem just after my Dad had a stroke
I ALWAYS WONDERED
Why you could not love me
You knew only hate
Why you could not encourage me
You knew only belittlement
Why you could not show me affection
You knew only the power of the fist
Why you had secrets
You knew only shame
Why you could not share monetary gain
You knew only greed
Why you never cried
You knew only control
Why you never showed me tenderness
You knew only rage.
Your father tried to steal your spirit
But he could not
He tried to control you
But you put up a fight
He tried to degrade you
But you sustained your pride
He tried not to love you
And this he did well.
In your weakened state I show you love
You look at me with pure admiration
I show you encouragement
You look at me and I see hope
I show you affection
You look at me and I see unlimited gratitude
You have shared secrets
And now I have peace
I no longer need monetary gain
Because I have your acceptance
Yesterday there was a tear in your eye
Because you are momentarily out of control
We show each other tenderness
And that gives each other strength
He tried to break your spirit
But he failed
The jokes on him
He made you strong willed
He made you defiant
He made you a fighter
And today I thank him for that.
by Donna B.