Control
Is a funny thing.
But no one is laughing.
Control.
We all want it.
We all fight against it.
We bare our teeth, show our fangs, let the sarcasm drip
All to have
Control.
Control.
I could tell
my child
not to read a book,
not to watch a certain movie,
not to eat too much candy.
But when I turn my back,
My words forgotten
to me,
They are not forgotten
To her.
To get control,
You have to give it away.
Teach a child
To make responsible decisions even
If they make
mistakes.
And you will get control.
Control.
Is a funny thing.
But no one is laughing.
Not the children.
Not the authors.
Not me.
Nicely said.
This is so true! I love the last stanza. It so beautifully everything I’ve been thinking about banning books and censorship.
Brava!
🙂
Thanks Guys, There really is so much that can be said about banning books and why people do it and how it affects others. It truly is a massive subject with depths of emotion.
I love this. Very nicely put.
Have the banner ever realized that they actually increase the sales of these banned books because people are curious to see why they’re banned? Same deal with when the Catholic church frowns on a movie. Instant box office hit. 😉
“To get control, you have to give it away.” So true. Wonderful post, Laura!
So hard always to get the balance right.
STina – If they realized that they’d stop banning the books!
Laura – I learn about giving up control in all areas of my life, esp. parenting!
Carole – Good way to put. Balance.
I honestly just said ‘Oooooh, that’s good’ out loud. Intense, direct, and well said! Loved it!
Fitting at this moment for me. Trying to get my daughter to dress for school. Challenge.
ooooh… this is deep!! Thanks Laura!
Wonderful! I especially like the last stanza.
I really like your poem, Laura!!
And it’s true, we have to let kids make decisions. We have to let them develop decision making skills. And being controlling isn’t a great role model for them.
Thanks everyone, I’m off to visit your blogs!
Loved it 🙂 because it is so very true!
One word: WOW!
Good point!
Hello! Thank you so much for visiting my blog yesterday. Your blog is so crips and clear:) I spun back to some older posts and enjoyed what you write:)) Will be back.
I like it! Especially the last stanza.
So true. It’s hard to teach your children. It’s even harder to watch them make mistakes. But that’s how we best learn. Great poem!