respond to a child

when a child runs up

with something to show you or give you

stop what you are doing

look, listen, respond

because then he knows

he is worthwhile

and what he does matters

you needn’t over-praise

acknowledgment serves his needs

rejection eviscerates his sense of self

it still kicks me in the gut

it still kicks me in the gut

24/7 caregiver, cook, linens maid

consoler, i answered their call

they wanted to bring a treat

for dad’s lunch but never thought

to bring even an extra cookie

for dad’s wife of twenty years

arbitrary

arbitrary

whoever has the power

makes the choices

from wherever they are

and whatever they see

or need now

forgive them

and go on

learning more of who

you are without

allowing them to define you