Misunderstood (Written for my daughter... Kasey LaRaine, 4-8-2006)

She’s so confused, and misunderstood...
She’s been abused - and she is so good.
She wants someone, to hold her hand...
to cuddle her - and understand.

She wants a hug hello... and a hug goodbye -
and maybe a kiss just because.
But she needs to know that he’s an ally -
more like the way that it was.

They got so close... and she gave in -
to that romantic desire.
And I suppose, one day, they will again -
rekindle that same fire.

But - for now - she needs to be sure...
She needs to know the love is pure.
To prove to herself, without obligation,
that love will be there, without reservation.

She needs time to grow, time to heal -
time to know that the love is real.
She is misunderstood... this is true -
and misunderstands herself sometimes, too.

She can’t explain what it is that she needs...
And she curses and cries and begs and pleads.
But what she needs, is a true love that can spend -
time with her, “just as a friend”.

(For Kasey, Love Mom)

2-18-2001: To Mom, With Love...

To Mom, with Love...

When I was very, very small,
I firmly believed you knew it all...
But as a teen, of course - I knew,
just, a little bit more than you.

Cradled in your loving arms -
protected, sheltered - kept from harm.
I grew up happy, with love to spare;
joy and laughter - plenty to share.

LeDon and I, we had the best...
we were always the envy of all the rest.
You always loved us - this we knew;
you showed it in everything you would do.

From matching dresses, to barbie clothes -
you showered us with love from our heads to our toes.
Birthday cakes, handmade with care -
something special every year!

All of our friends wanted YOU for THEIR mom;
and you always made them feel at home.
You made holidays wonderfully fun -
they were always special, every one.

And through the years, you taught us well;
and always caught us when we fell.
But when I became a mother too,
I realized I'd never know as much as you.

You're the prettiest, the smartest, the best mom ever -
How did I get so lucky... how did you get so clever?
And as I try to follow your footsteps with care;
I am happy just knowing you will always be there!
***