Parenthood

A Poem by Erika Cristal

Take my quiet
Take my silence
Keep my sanity

Take my rest
Take my want
Keep my vanity

Break my back
Run me aground
Let me know insanity

For you I run in circles endlessly
For your I work relentlessly

Tire as I might
Lost in sleepless night
Weariness I fight
Darned be hunger if it strike

Strong and steadfast I must stay
Soak up the joy of every day
For my world you light
With your wonder and delight

See, now and then
I so hear say
That in the end
It’s the struggle we remember best