Self-Reflecting Brood

Those kids you thought you'd like to raise
Distinctive progeny
The ones you thought would sing your praise
Now threaten sanity

They notice all the little things
We'd just as soon ignore
Distraction, or a word that stings
The laundry on the floor

They watch while we are unaware
Of what their eyes behold
They study well and then compare
What's done, with what they're told

Those prying eyes and rosy cheeks
Relentless in their quest
No passing minutes, days or weeks
Provide you any rest

Like the all-seeing eyes of God
Reminds us we can't hide
Hypocrisy is brought to naught
And humbled all our pride

God, thank you for the fits and fuss
These little ones provide
'Til Jesus Christ is formed in us
And selfishness denied

For character to demonstrate
A life that's God approved
The Lord will often orchestrate
A self-reflecting brood

This poem won first place for the June 2025 poetry contest