Rollercoaster

The swings you go through with a child Are not unlike a coaster wild. The terror, stark, when they arrive: “How do I keep this kid alive?” “What idiot allowed discharge, And placed with me a care so large?” When you have lost all hope of sleep, And dark depression settles deep, Then you will wonder in despair, “How long, O Lord, too much to bear!” But then, when first she smiles at you, And suddenly dawn’s light breaks through! Until the day you feed her meats And gagging, retching, white as sheets, You’re sorely pressed by toxic waste, And all that fondness fades, erased By thoughts you banish from your mind, “How could I ever been so blind To think this nasty little brute Was a delight, a darling, cute?” But then she talks, she says your name; You’re launching to the moon again! This surely is the pinnacle, Parental heights you’ve scaled in full. But comes the dark night of the soul; Your daughter’s now thirteen years old. Who is this alien life form? When will your days resemble norm? The slightest thing; all hell breaks loose: A train that’s led by its caboose! Back on the tracks, to wreck again, Of late, you pray, “Why, God?” and “When, When will this horrid phase be through?” Completely unbeknownst to you, This phase, designed, the needed fuel To send her, gladly, off to school. And then you sit, an empty home, Berate yourself in brooding gloam As night falls on parental days And you imagine all the ways that trouble will befall your child, How by the world she’ll be defiled And grieve and want her in your arms In safe protection from all harm. And after school, she needs you less Until it’s time to buy the dress. For her, elation and much joy! For you, “And just who is this boy?” But as you learn, she’s picked a man, All goes according to the plan, And you have this to comfort you, For it is clear he loves her too. So for a time, you are at peace; The cycling has much decreased. And yet, when they have fully grown, Then suddenly you want them home. You yearn for time spent with their kids At intervals the miles forbid. And if you’re being honest, too, You’re hoping they’ll take care of you. But looking back, it’s all a win; You’d gladly take this ride again.