They are what they learn,
and they've learned so much
from their pastors and teachers
when mom wasn't there,
and dad was out misbehaving.
And some are loved part time,
by aunts and uncles distant and suspect,
from the back of a hand
to the stroke of a cheek,
confusion curdles self-respect.
They are what they're used to,
it stems from regard or neglect.
Author's Notes
...personal experiences while coaching youth soccer.