Notes About The Poem

posted 9-2015, written in 1988

Impossible

Dedicated to Kyle, My Darling Son
Sometimes it’s hard to be me – so much pain to burn, so much to daily learn, so much joy to discern. Sometimes it’s hard to be me – It’s impossible to be you - I offer you my soft side but cannot take your ride or be your forever guide. For me, it’s impossible to be you - I want to filter the dark to keep you in the light. I want to protect you from wrong by leading you towards the right. I want to take all your wishes and make them all come true. I want to keep the world from ever hurting you. but my darling child, these things I cannot do. You’re the seed I did plant to nurture and watch grow, but you decide the direction your branches will grow. If you develop slowly and timidly face the sky or if you arch boldly with a brazen sigh, either way is yours to try. YOU ARE going to sigh, YOU ARE going to cry; These are gifts to your growth that even as your Mother, I can neither defy or deny. Sometimes it’s hard to be me – it’s impossible to be you.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Perna Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Lovely, poem! I can totally relate! My son is in so much pain because of me. I have been trying for years to help him feel better but my efforts seem to be failing. You have written so many amazing poems!
Perna Avatar
May 25, 2025 at 5:11 PM
You're an excellent poet, far better than me. But I am also in terrible pain still from my father's beatings and berating me. I Pray to God everyday my son will not suffer one day due to all my mistakes. I was damaged and did not ever mean to hurt him. I pray he can forgive me and I will continue to try my hardest to help him in every way I can. My health is very poor so not sure how much time I have but again only living now to help my son. I'm so happy for you finding someone to appreciate and understand your wonderful poems. I don't have that either. Please Pray for my son if you can. Thank you so much for your kindness.
Godwin Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 4:03 PM
If in his formative years, he absorbs you in ways that will stay w/ him for life. As I wrote you, pain isn't always caused so much as orchestrated by God and karma. (I KNOW, MY truths need not be yours.) I think Peps in a family have specific lessons to teach/learn. Through in-depth esoteric study, I know my Dad was meant to cause my confidence's death, one factor to set my intended journey and its revival. Likewise, my purpose was to teach him the worth in intangibles. What I'm trying to say is, hang in there, all may be as is meant. Because my confidence is still a bit anemic, I wish you'd shared responses when u read me. Don't recall comments from you, but I'm not always a good rememberer. Never showed my poems until I met my Soulmate at age 56. HE ACTUALLY wanted to read them. He encouraged & assured me I had talent, sat with me until I posted on Soup. I'm dazzled by how God works. CayCay
Coulstock Avatar
September 4, 2018 at 9:08 AM
A wonderful write of the joys and trials of motherhood and a lovely dedication to your son.Nothing is predictable in life we know.You though Caycay seem to have all the worthwhile attributes needed to be a good mother so your son has got the best chance in life. I wish you both well. June.
Ashley Avatar
December 12, 2017 at 7:57 PM
I feel your write CayCay. Because of Julie's mitochondrial disease and the challenges she faces, I have wanted to do all the things you said you wanted to do to protect your son but, like you, 'These things I cannot do'. Despite challenges they still must find their wings and fly at whatever height and distance they can and we have to brave enough to let them. An inspiring, emotional and contemplative write my lovely friend.. Hugs and smiles. ~Susan
Godwin Avatar
December 13, 2017 at 12:04 AM
How blessed I am to have your sincerity visit my raw Kyle pain via poems. You brought along compassion, empathy and touchingly validated what has been/is often a painful seesaw. Susan, this is one of those poems that comes to a poet, unbidden. I remember clearing dinner from the dining table, then frantically searching for a pen that actually wrote before the word filled balloon that popped into my head, actually popped. Kyle was nearby, a toddler - a precious toddler (which was just yesterday!) I'm emotionally grateful to you for reading my Kyle-poems. With a grateful heart, I thank you! CayCay
Gauthier Avatar
November 19, 2017 at 10:41 AM
Great poem. Well done, CayCay.
Kimathi Avatar
December 23, 2015 at 2:06 AM
Greetings CayCay. Congrats for your placement in the contest! ;-)
A. Sharma Avatar
December 22, 2015 at 1:50 AM
Lovely write n win Caycay.. big congrats!
A  Avatar
December 21, 2015 at 9:28 PM
CayCay, Nice win. SKAT
Tor Avatar
December 21, 2015 at 8:14 PM
I enjoyed this CayCay congratulations.
Roper Avatar
December 21, 2015 at 6:22 PM
Congratulations, CayCay, hugs dear friend and have a very Merry Christmas with blessings of love, happiness, wisdom, and wealth.
Cwiak Avatar
September 16, 2015 at 10:16 PM
You were correct again in saying that the thoughts you and I have put into our work about nurturing our children have great similarity. Perhaps you and I should collaborate sometime on something. Writing is such fun, isn't it? Nice job here.
Romaine Avatar
September 3, 2015 at 3:34 PM
Hey CayCay, I stopped back by for a visit. This is a wonderful poem dedicated to our offspring. I believe all mothers share in these sentiments. With such an understanding mommy, they are truly blessed. They do grow up so fast and must find their own way. A mothers love and prayers are with them though. Excellent writing here! Be Blessed, Neva
Godwin Avatar
September 3, 2015 at 6:05 PM
Thank you dear and talented one. I'm so glad you shared your sentiments about this universal emotion ... CayCay
Dickman Avatar
September 2, 2015 at 11:48 AM
Heavy stuff here, CayCay. Excellent write. Keep them coming.
Godwin Avatar
September 2, 2015 at 12:09 PM
I am grateful for your comment, thank you ... CayCay
Nunez Avatar
September 2, 2015 at 10:49 AM
Beautifully expressed sentiments, Cay. Thanks for your visit to my poem. Nice to "meet" you. hugs!
Godwin Avatar
September 2, 2015 at 11:10 AM
I'm hugging you back while thanking you ... CayCay
Lamoureux Avatar
September 2, 2015 at 10:34 AM
This is the cry of every mother. Beautifully expressed!
Godwin Avatar
September 2, 2015 at 11:10 AM
Thank you so much for sharing your reaction. It means volumes ... CayCay
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