As a parent, I expect the best for my children, and I want it all for them; I don't like others taking advantage of my children and my instinct is to protect them. I love them so much, that sometimes, instead of being a mother, I smother them with love. I get too emotional when they don't listen to me, for in my heart, I am convinced I know what's right for them. When is this mother ever going to learn to set them free and yet continue her love for her children? I am sorry but I am still striving.
I’m sorry for being so emotional
I’m sorry for being so possessive
I’m sorry for my selfish love
I’m sorry for thinking of you both so very much
I’m sorry for being so immature
I’m sorry now that can’t be cured
I’m sorry and sorry again
But believe me that I love you both
Should I say sorry for that too?
I’m sorry I’m not perfect
I’m sorry for the tears I cry
I’m sorry for a lot of things
But one thing I’m not sorry for
I’m not sorry for being me.
As I write these words, Khalil Gibran’s words resonate in my ears and I ponder upon his wise words versus my unconditional love for my children.
Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
Which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them,
But seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
Very Nice Savithri Chitthi! Timing is very apt for young parents like us.
ReplyDeleteMakes sense to read but very difficult to practice in reality! Very nice poems.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful beautiful beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWhen Zeph was born, I remember making more than one mistake everyday in dressing him, feeding him, holding him. I apologized every time and told him, “I promise I’ll do better tomorrow.” I tell him all the time that I am not a perfect person. Not just because I really am not – but because I also want him to celebrate the fact that he is not perfect either.
And thank you also for sharing the words of the incomparable Khalil Gibran. That was inspiring.
Very nice, Savithri
ReplyDeleteThank you; it is nice to receive insight fromtoday and from the past.
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