Parental Pride

A sprinkle of bliss
An ember of light
Fulfilling a list
For one single night

A dash of magic
We stretch ourselves thin
Really, it’s tragic
The debt, we get in

The standards are high
Great expectations
Fantastical lie
Excitement, chasing

Pursuing a joy
A fleeting delight
So each girl and boy
Gets more than a bite

The come down is real
Reality hits
Perhaps you fulfilled
Their every last wish

It’s been done before
No surprise, really. 
They know what’s in store
Aren’t we so silly 

Our parental pride
Made rotten spawn
By lists, we abide
We’re zombies, come dawn

Mere moments are all
We get to enjoy
As their tiny claws
Rip through to each toy

They begged and pleaded
Alas, they’ve received
Tired and depleted 
But now we can breathe
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Turner Avatar
February 4, 2020 at 8:05 PM
I can so relate! Keep writing. Nothing but good will come from it:)
Rodrigues Avatar
January 26, 2020 at 7:29 AM
My favorite verse: Our parental pride/ Made rotten spawn/ By lists, we abide/ We’re zombies, come dawn...a tribute by Maureen McGreavy brought me to check out your poetry. Enjoyed!
Shaw Avatar
January 10, 2020 at 5:35 AM
Ha ha ha - Give that girl a round of applause - to the reality of trying to give kids all . . . : )
Connelly Avatar
January 2, 2020 at 5:46 PM
Hello Anna. Your name came up in a Maureen McGreavy poem she just wrote; so I thought I'd give you a read. I must check out some others, but not disappointed by these words so true. To me it is not surprising the German word for "poison" is "gift". Thank you Anna.
Wolf Avatar
December 26, 2019 at 8:16 PM
You really nailed the truth about gifts to (most) kids, be they birthday or holiday gifts… Instilling appreciation for the giver's intent is a long process! Season's best, Gershon
Pandit Avatar
December 26, 2019 at 4:08 PM
So well said Anna--that is how it works--joy for the kids!
One Avatar
December 26, 2019 at 1:33 PM
It's all worth it in the end...
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