Michael Degenhardt Poet Free verse

Fear and Truth

To see your child lying there
Makes him not helpless
But us, as the parents, helpless
A cold hospital gurney is not a bed
It is a wake up call not only for the victim
But for all those who love him
The pain
The thoughts,
The prayer
The choices
What direction do we go in now?
Can we work together to avoid this again?
Did we bring him to this, or
Is it that influence that teenagers feel?
It matters not,
For the parents love
So dictates the parents guilt and worry
We will constantly love our children
Despite their choices
We will constantly smile when seeing them
Despite their choices
We will constantly welcome them into embrace
Despite their choices
We are weak due to the love we have
We are stronger too, by the love we share

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Robin L. Gass February 18, 2009 at 4:29 PM Such truth lies in this beautifully written piece, Michael. No matter what I love my daughter. She is 22 and I don't agree with all her choices but I always love her. Great piece! Love, Robin

Donna Golden February 18, 2009 at 1:49 PM Michael this must have been a painful, but cathartic piece for you. I have been to a similar place of fear this weekend with my daughter... hence, my writing of "God In Heaven, Hear My Cry". So many well wishes and blessings go out to you, my friend. Sincerely, Donna G.

Phyllis Babcock February 18, 2009 at 12:07 PM The love, the worry and mostly the prayers when you raise your children and worry about the outcome. But I would not have it any other way. God Bless Phyl

Carolyn Devonshire February 18, 2009 at 8:40 AM Michael, although I have no children, I had wonderful parents who were always forgiving and loving. Beautiful sentiments. By the way, those footles sure come to you in a flash, don't they? New art form for me, but I am enjoying reading others' work. You are among my favorites on this site. Best wishes, Carolyn

Brian Strand February 18, 2009 at 8:35 AM You step in others shoes Michael with this style of poetry.Rgds Brian & thanks for your observation on my blog

Amy Swanson February 18, 2009 at 4:58 AM Tender, emotional write you have penned. This conveys peace, even in the storm. It's hard seeing someone you love go through darkness, making wrong choices that lead down a dead end road. So difficult, second-guessing if you could have done this or that differently, what change would it have effected? But all we as parents can do is love... & sometimes, it's just not enough. Your last 2 stanzas say it perfectly... the weakness we have is our very strength. Beautifully done. :) Love, Amy