+6I don’t know how hard it is
to raise a child like me.
I’ve been a bad child,
I’ve caused you tears,
and still, you are here with me.
I remember the time when I ran away,
mom kept looking for me.
She spent her night waiting for my call,
but I ignored it, so insensitive,
I just wanted to be free.
Dad talked to me, hugged me tight,
and said “I love you my dear child, do you feel it?”
and here I am knowing it’s true,
I had the guts to hurt him.
I’m a selfish child who wants to be free,
but couldn’t sleep if mom’s not beside me.
I’m a selfish child who wants to grow fast,
but couldn’t face the angry world
without a grip of dad’s hand.
Despite everything and anything that I would do
How far can I go if I don’t have you.
Mom and dad, now that I’ve grown old
I don’t have the guts to say what I’ve done wrong.
So full of shame and regret,
sorry might not be enough…
sorry might be too late.
Years have passed, there’s this one day,
I came back, a surrender of conscience.
I saw them both sitting in racking chairs,
watching the clouds and garden full of flowers.
I hugged them tight, even when they can’t recall my name.
Mom asked me why I cried, she can’t remember who she used to wait for at night.
Dad held my hand, told me to calm down…
and asked me who I am and if the nurse was around.
These are the words of once a stubborn child,
love your parents while you still can.
While they still remember who you are,
while they feel they love you more and more each day.
Regret comes last,
when it is too late to make up for wrong things done.
So love your parents while they still hope you can…
This poem was written/submitted by Kathrine Yee Baraquia.
