What’s A Parent To Do?

I know you have been a good parent
Have always tried your best
Sometimes giving too much
Other occasions- nothing left to give.
Reviewing all the values you hold so dear
Demonstrating the wisdom
In your every day actions,
Or sometimes, just your words.
And even, the ugly, uncontrolled words.
Wanting your child to have all the joys you did
While shielding them from all the sadness that was yours.
Intermittently teaching them what not to do
By our over-embarrassing examples.
The inconceivable concept
Of conceiving our perfect image
When all we do is experimental
What we are told is that it is “innate, intuitive”
But, that just adds to the complex
Of not being a “natural”
Trying to understand and not understanding
The developmental challenges
Of each unique being
That may remind us of ourselves-
Foibles and fine moments
But are not us.
Fine china exposed to the rough and tumble
Parental adoring, selfless love
And loathing agony of fretful lack of connection
Parenting has its moments of glory and assurance
Of a piece of us living on
Weaved between the perilous uncertainties.