Parenting

The little guy, he struggles so
To straighten sock for wriggled toe
You want to scream, but let it go
And give a word of praise

This tiny one would carry all
Though sure you are that it will fall
A crash you hear and then a call
Your voice you do not raise

The 6-year-old who is alarmed
That bicycles will leave her harmed
Can't be with reassurance charmed
In patience you endure

The new-born babes who have to learn
How mothers for their pillows yearn
With tears while midnight oils burn
A warm embrace the cure

At last, the feast you have prepared
Around the table may be shared
The words, "It's gross and makes me scared!"
Will test your very core

The fort you built at great expense
With latching gate and picket fence
You might as well put up for rent
What was the effort for?

Let me suggest our kids reflect
Our efforts great and our neglect
The Lord employs them to perfect
Our selfish, wand 'ring ways

In parenting we come to see
How God endures with you and me
With grace and patient mercy, He
Good parenting displays

This poem won second place for the February 2021 poetry contest