I don’t know you anymore

I wrote this poem during a very stressful time in my family. My daughter was going through a somewhat rebellious stage and was making some very bad choices. There is often a time in young people’s lives when the wisdom of their parents is not only challenged, but disregarded. Our attempts to communicate seem to fall upon deaf ears. The anxiety and stress this causes us can be extreme — especially when we know that the decisions they are making could be putting their own safety in jeopardy. Thankfully, we were finally able to reach her.

To all of the hard-working parents, who try your best, give your all continually and selflessly, and often thanklessly — you are my unsung heroes. To you, I dedicate this poem to which, I am sure, you can relate.

I don’t know you anymore

By Darren Weeks

The crashing waves toss your life about
You chose the tempest, shunned the harbor’s safe route
A stubborn heart in a sea of lies
A myriad choices that prove unwise

Yelling, screaming, slamming of doors
Hurtful words rip the soul like sores
Betrayal of trust, unrepentant, unmoored
I don’t know you any more

The siren sounds its warning blast
How long can the anxiety last?
No answer comes; is the call heard?
Utterances with impenetrable words

Where is my vessel, all tattered and torn?
Soaked with the rain and abused by the storms?
How I long to hold you, safe on the shore!
I don’t know you anymore

Sick with worry o’er the battered’s fate
Sleepless nights with lights burning late
The cruelty of the sailor’s deeds!
Lightkeepers grieve as their hearts bleed

You turn your back on logic and reason
Reckless abandonment for a season?
Ever distant, without anchor and oar
I don’t know you anymore

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Image: Darren Weeks