Bed of Nails

3-10-00

The expectations of a parent

                 are like nails

   held to their children's back

Held just close enough to make it

                    apparent

      what will happen if they

                        slack

Because of this

                        the kids walk fine lines

                              like tight ropes

        while bearing unnecessary pressure

        and they do this all in hopes

                                  living up to their parents'

                                       measure

They're forced into invisible molds

    (an act the parent will never admit)

       and every time the children

             do exactly what they're told

       the molds become

                           a better fit

Permanently filling shoes

                 they should only

    be trying on

  As they are served

a full plate of values

  and they don't get to leave the table 

 'til every last pea is gone

Parents allow fear

   to become the source of their love

 Never meaning it to do any harm

But there's a line between guidance

      and a helpful shove

  and when it's crossed

     there is cause for alarm

But as children are

   tucked in for the night

 their parent's

       smiles hang high overhead

  Though the kids are told

      everything will be all right

    they still feel the prick of

                nails in their bed