One Step Back Poem by Ruth L. Rivers

Putting it simple, let's keep to the point
I spent the day yelling at your small frame
Yes, you pulled all the toilet paper out
And all of your food turned into a game

Placing your self in my hands as a child
I wasn't even close to a good sort of mom
You eyes seemed to swell with hurting tears
From words expressed at assumed wrong

Some of my yells were produced out of fear
Looking around your face wasn't in my view
When you ran away to go play with someone
My heart could have burst with love for you

You did not deserve my yells at your pace
With your curiosity about all living things
But my worry with the time and sun light
Taking over all the joy that you can bring

So I took one step back possibly much more
From the onset of the first waking worries
To the bottle and closely secured covers
I left little time for loving you in my hurry

There was no time for your hide n' seek
And no room for you and me to hold hands
Less space for all that we could have shared
In all of my days neatly organized plans

So now it is my turn to shed a tear or two
Looking into what became a one sided us
In this moment my mind can now realize
How much less of today I showed you love

By Ruth L. Rivers
June 17,2009