Once More

For children who a parent has left them

It’s okay,
don’t be afraid.
I didn't set the hook,
no guilt
do I lay at your feet.
For,
Even without you:
I learnt,
to love me.
To see the gift,
I am.
I found strength
in my struggle.
I navigated deep water,
and made it to shore.
Swimming through a sea
of self-doubt.
My ever-decreasing hate,
now gone,
And hope has nestled in.
I see you in the mirror,
and I no longer look away.
Someday,
I’ll learn
to love you,
once more.

Reviews

[W. Barrett Munn]

Nice emotional expressions in this one Cherrie. Lovely.

[Cherrie Palmer]

:) thank you

[Ranger Kessel]

Truly a gift and a nice work if poetry. I enjoyed this

[Cherrie Palmer]

😊 thank you.

[Lisasview]

Dear Cherrie,
Yes, the "loss" missing of a parent is terrible...no matter what...To pull oneself out from the pain of this and experience self acceptance is wonderful. Not to feel "It was my fault"
Hate is a terrible thing... it can eat you up... to let go and forgive...yet still remember is clearly the best route to take.
Lisa, finally finding time to read poems..

[Cherrie Palmer]

That is a excellent point because children often blot out what they don't want to remember. They push it from their forethought not realizing it is still there if they don't address it.

[Lisasview]

Yes, hidden bad memories that are never addressed come out as the child grows and shows up in everything they do.
Lisa

[red93]

Fabulous Cherrie - what a voyage it is to self-acceptance and the shedding of negativity. Excellent.

[Cherrie Palmer]

Good morning Tony and thank you.

[Temperance]

Very thought provoking, Ms. Cherrie. Too many people experience this and, I find it sad that they have not found guidance that will help them shed their insecurities and self-doubt. If not done at an early age they grow into adults with issues that become more compounded than self-recrimination/doubt. We should all know that we are all unique, all special and, should love ourselves. If we don't learn to love ourselves first how can we love another? Well done! Temp

[Cherrie Palmer]

That is so true. Sometimes it takes some doing to let go of hurts but children can and want to if someone will help them see understand and let go. However once an adult it is much harder to help that inner child.

[Temperance]

You are so right!

[Robert Haigh]

So sad when this happens to children. How their minds get mixed up and confused, thinking that they were somehow to blame. This poem, written through the eyes of such a child, looking back, really drives the message home. Highly poignant, and very well written!

[Einstein Noodle]

oh my!! so emotive, mon Cherrie! the voice of a child abandoned given wings by your words .. supper good stuff says i! a courageous heart .. the healthy turns at crossroads ... will most certainly lead your protagonist to the healthy state of loving who one is .. only then can it turn upward and outward says i! such a moving poem ... hits were it counts
E.

[Cherrie Palmer]

:) thank you Gene

[Coyote Poetry]

I had AWOL parent. 11 foster homes but I was lucky. Dear Grandparent took me in. Made me a gypsy in spirit. Powerful and worthwhile words shared dear Cherrie.
Coyote

[Cherrie Palmer]

Thank God he gives us grandparents
I'm glad your grandma stepped up for you.

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree dear Cherrie.

[John the Baptist]

The events of life can damage our self esteem before we are able to deal with their blows. The speaker here seems to have come to an understanding of this and is on the road to recovery. It is a journey we all must make if we wish to enjoy our lives.

[Cherrie Palmer]

Thank you John good to see you. I look forward to returning the visit.

[Chris Shaw]

We brought up three grandchildren separated from their parents. Not an easy road, often riddled with potholes.Yes there is pain and we were there to give them love and reassurance, but that doesn't always eliminate the low self-esteem and the fact that they felt different in their younger years from their friends who had mum and dad around. Takes a great deal of hard work and time to make them understand it is not their fault, they are not to blame. I could relate to this poem Cherrie from my own experiences.

Chris

[Cherrie Palmer]

Yes making them understand this is not their fault and or the person left holding the pieces together.
I tried to explain to Peyton it dosen't mean they don't love you but that they can't figure out how to put others first. They cling to now and what ever they want for the moment.
I tell her doing the right thing is always a choice one that all people make each new day. If she let's love guild her and not self. Her strength will be a haven to her own family someday.