Let Your Children Fly On Their Own

Maternal tears
Never managing to let go
Vicarious pleasure, vicarious pain

Wishing their life were easier
Wishing they could avoid the pitfalls
You see so clearly

The traps that seem so obvious
Wishing solutions were as clear to them
As they are to you

They need to live their own life
As you lived yours
Learn their lessons on their own

They want to express their individuality
They’re not mini versions of you
Or your second chance at life

They need to plough their path
Clear their own way
Create their own world

They need to man up and
deal with their own consequences
As you yourself had to do

Your hand delivering prepackaged solutions
Cannot help them since it’s figuring it all out
That’s the process of growing up


AP:  Honorable Mention 2020

Submitted on February 4, 2018 to contest YOUR BEST POEM IN THE LAST YEAR sponsored by SILENT ONE  -  RANKED 1ST

November 17, 2017 Poem of the Day
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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12
Roy Avatar
February 3, 2020 at 3:48 AM
An excellent write. Congrats ...... God bless you.
Gauthier Avatar
February 3, 2020 at 10:58 AM
Thank you, Pratap. Most appreciated.
Dietrich Avatar
April 13, 2018 at 6:36 PM
Also a bealated congrats on POTD!!
Gauthier Avatar
April 13, 2018 at 8:37 PM
Thank you, Andrea, for your much appreciated visit.
Dietrich Avatar
April 13, 2018 at 6:36 PM
I see you selected this as your best poem in the last year. I am not sure what your best poem of last year was yet, but I think this one is very fine indeed and was worthy of its win with Silent One!
Gauthier Avatar
April 13, 2018 at 8:38 PM
I was basing my pick on comments, not on personal preference.
Ashley Avatar
February 10, 2018 at 1:55 PM
A deeply emotional poem expressing maternal sentiments so lovingly, Line. Congratulations on your wonderful win and also belated congrats on your well deserved POTD honors. Warmest wishes. ~Susan
Gauthier Avatar
February 10, 2018 at 5:03 PM
Thank you, Susan. Most appreciated.
Roper Avatar
February 8, 2018 at 11:11 PM
Congratulations on your win, Line ! Great poem and enjoyed reading. Hugs Eve ~`*
Gauthier Avatar
February 9, 2018 at 8:33 AM
Thank you, Eve. Much appreciated.
Marc Avatar
February 6, 2018 at 8:46 AM
Congrats on your placement, I enjoyed reading your poem. Being able to “let go” is very difficult at times. I can relate with 2 children of my own. Thank you!
Gauthier Avatar
February 6, 2018 at 8:50 AM
Thank you for your visit and comment, P.M. Much appreciated.
Talbot Avatar
February 5, 2018 at 5:52 PM
Words of truth from beginning to end! Wonderful, congratulations on your joint 1t place Line... Mick
Gauthier Avatar
February 5, 2018 at 6:03 PM
Thank you so much, mick. Much appreciated.
One Avatar
February 5, 2018 at 4:40 PM
They have to learn their own way Line, a deep emotive poem, great choice for the contest.. Congratulations on your placement in the contest, I am happy you entered and the poem will be showcased..
Gauthier Avatar
February 5, 2018 at 6:04 PM
Thank you so much, SO. Awesome showcasing of fabulous poems.
De Beaulieu Avatar
December 1, 2017 at 8:13 PM
This is good advice to parents with children growing up. They should read this poem. have a nice evening my friend.
Gauthier Avatar
December 1, 2017 at 10:05 PM
Thanks, Darlene. Best regards.
Jannat Avatar
November 27, 2017 at 3:37 PM
I had tears in my eyes at the end how beautifully it is written.
Gauthier Avatar
November 27, 2017 at 11:26 PM
O Mawra, you're so sweet. Line xx
Godwin Avatar
November 19, 2017 at 9:57 AM
I have a poem titled "Impossible" that echos these very same maternal sentiments. With clarity you succeeded in laying out the universal thoughts of every loving parent. I enjoyed the read very much ... CayCay
Gauthier Avatar
November 19, 2017 at 10:36 AM
Thank you, CayCay. I have to look for your poem now.
Allison Avatar
November 18, 2017 at 11:18 AM
Dropping back to say a very well done on POTD I am sharing this poem with friends and they LOVE it:-) hugs jan xx
Gauthier Avatar
November 18, 2017 at 1:47 PM
Aren't you sweet. Thanks, Line xx
Smith Avatar
November 18, 2017 at 6:01 AM
Excellent Line :)
Gauthier Avatar
November 18, 2017 at 1:47 PM
Thank you. Appreciate your visit.
Wastvedt Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 11:44 PM
A great poem, but it is always sad to let them go. :)
Gauthier Avatar
November 18, 2017 at 1:48 PM
Of course. Thanks, Bjorn.
Kinch  Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 4:12 PM
Wise words, if I'm honest I found the letting go heart wrenching! Congratulations on POTD.
Gauthier Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 10:25 PM
Thanks for your visit, Elizabeth. Much appreciated.
Smith Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 3:20 PM
Congratulations Line, well done my friend...
Gauthier Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 10:26 PM
Thanks, Charlie. I appreciate your visit.
Downing  Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 1:10 PM
Congratulations Line on your awesome POTD! Superb... hugs and smiles :)
Gauthier Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 10:26 PM
Thanks, Akkina. Have a fabulous weekend.
Marcum Wong Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 10:51 AM
Your poem contains such great advice and veracity. It is so difficult to let them go and let them make their own mistakes to learn from. Recognizing their own individuality helps them to grow and become self-sufficient. This is a wonderful poem and so deserving of POTD! Congratulations Line! : )
Williams Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 10:43 AM
This is a tremendous written poem. With every sentence of truth. Congrats. And a Seven
Gauthier Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 10:57 AM
Thank you, Marilyn. Much appreciated.
Wanter Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 9:51 AM
We can let them go to their faces, but the "vicarious pleasure, vicarious pain" goes on inside of us forever. Very true writing. Congratulations!
Gauthier Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 10:14 AM
Thanks for your visit, Sunlite. Much appreciated.
Michael Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 9:00 AM
I couldn't agree with you more...Congratulations...All the best Line
Gauthier Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 10:13 AM
Thank you, Arturo. Appreciate your note.
One Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 8:28 AM
Congrats on POTD... Excellent poem and I agree with you...
Gauthier Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 10:13 AM
Thank you for leaving a note, have a wonderful weekend!
Andresen Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 8:19 AM
- A wonderful poem, with words of wisdom and truth - Congratulations, Line ! - Best wishes for a lovely weekend :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Gauthier Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 10:12 AM
Thank you Anne-Lise. All the best to you!
Williams Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 7:01 AM
Congrats on POTD - Line. Your words are so true - Indeed Parents do wish to alleviate their children's trials, pain and tribulations, but alas can only be in the background waiting to help them up. One cannot stifle their individuality and their learning process - I guess it can be called the 'University of Hard Knocks'. It's through our example that we help them through the growing and learning stages to Adulthood and beyond. A great write and deserving of your accolade...Maria
Gauthier Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 10:09 AM
Thank you so much, Maria. I appreciate your visit.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 6:56 AM
If ever there was a manual, this ought to be page one :) well done Line! Congrats on potd xomo
Gauthier Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 10:08 AM
Thanks, Maureen. Have a wonderful weekend!
12
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