I Couldn't Talk about it, So I Wrote a Poem

I'm proud of you, And I love you. You are: Calm, Confident, Kind Well-reasoned, Reserved, Gentle, Humble, Thoughtful, Intelligent, Insightful, Observant, And Articulate. You exercise sound judgment, And have a good sense of humor. You are independent. Repeatedly, you've shown You can make a plan And execute it. You've found a kind, intelligent, empathic mate. This is what I can see from the outside. Inside you, I'm sure there is more to know and love. You have overcome obstacles, Such as my role in choosing one of your babysitters. I've always been hard on myself, A perfectionist, Focusing, at times with frustration, On my own deficiencies, Rather than my merits. Grappling with my own physical and mental challenges, Unfortunately, one could not keep them entirely to myself, And also, I'm afraid, by extension, I've focused my perfectionism On you. This must have been hard on you In a number of ways. I'm sorry. My hats off to you. You deserve credit For whom you are, and the man you've become. Rather than focus on my deficiencies, I congratulate myself, For whatever positive role I may have played. I'm proud of you, and I love you.