Growing Pains

Hidden in false promises,

unconditional love distorted,

worthlessness nurtured,

never feeling anything

Looking for pride,

as only a boy could

in his fathers eyes,

but only disdain is found

15 years spent being controlled

by thoughts not my own 

and always on the verge

but tenaciously holding on

Finally freedom is found

forgiveness is granted

chains become unshackled 

and life has been given

Never shall my boys

have to feel the way I once did,

life is for love and joy

and that is what they have bought to me

Improving and growing,

never to be in shackles again,

pain equals knowledge.

It is all a matter of perspective