Fragile Footsteps
empathy for whom with more to say without the time to convey
"You never open up," they say,
A closed-off soul, they perceive each day.
But when I dare to speak my mind,
They nitpick and offend, a response unkind.
I am blunt, while they tiptoe with care,
"Make it sound different," they declare.
How do I converse with a lofty soul,
A parent whose superiority takes its toll?
But as I pose that daunting query,
They shut me down, claim it's all theory.
Denying every word, dismissing my voice,
Leaving no room for understanding or choice.
A superiority complex they possess,
Believing they're better, above the rest.
Condescending, they look upon others low,
Their children included, a harsh blow.
Mad at me for waiting to stumble and fall,
Trouble arising from nowhere, their call.
Children in their grip, facing constant strife,
Affecting their well-being, draining life.
Low self-esteem takes its toll,
Feeling inadequate, a heavy toll.
Fear of failure lingers, a weight so vast,
Their ambitions curtailed, present and past.
Perfectionism arises, a burden to bear,
To meet high standards, an endless affair.
Seeking approval, desperate for praise,
Their sense of self lost in a haze.
Resentment builds, relationships strained,
Criticism endured, the bond restrained.
Autonomy and decisions cast aside,
Parent's judgment, the only guide.
Emotional distress, anxiety's embrace,
Worthlessness lingers, a darkened space.
Complaints dismissed, grievances ignored,
My voice unheard, my soul deplored.
But what is a "complain" if not expression,
Of discontent, seeking resolution's progression.
Dismissed and misunderstood, my plea,
A lack of understanding, as clear as can be.
Dismiss, get offended, correct my every word,
Listening? No, not a trait they've preferred.
To open up, I must tread so light,
Align my words with their superior might.
High horse, a phrase I dare to speak,
Yet they recoil, their reaction bleak.
Judgmental they are, critiquing all,
Their parenting prowess, never to fall.
Arrogance claims their sense of right,
More knowledgeable, an incessant plight.
Self-righteousness clouds their view,
Invalidating perspectives, a judgment they spew.
Control they crave, every aspect they steer,
Micromanaging lives, instilling fear.
Lacking empathy, distant from the pain,
Their own methods, the ultimate reign.
Criticism, their Achilles' heel,
Defensive, dismissive, their response surreal.
Oh, the high horse they ride, so grand,
Unwilling to consider, they cannot understand.
So, in this poem, I speak my truth,
Of a parent lost in superiority's booth.
May understanding find its way,
And bridge the gap that lingers today.
