ARMADILLO

Being soft in a cruel world hurts.

I imagine giving my children advice

Things I wished for, but I could never do

Be a kind human, soft, but with a thick skin.

Do as I say, not as I do.

I preach, but I can’t follow the gospel

My actions are tied by kindness,

When slapped, I turn the other cheek

I am not Christ, this is madness.

I lay down my body to be walked on

They step on familiar bruises

One doesn’t have to do as one is told

If one, with courage, refuses.

At night exhausted I lie down in bed,

Waiting for the nightmares to assault

Don’t blame the emotional vampires.

It’s me, it’s only my fault.

Sweet child, the product of love

Remember that kindness is not a sin

Be kind, be loving, be caring

But please, have a thick skin.

Author's Note

Pray tell, which stanza is your favourite and why?

Reviews

[Kelly Scheppers]

I think I'll go with the last stanza. Kindness and compassion can go a long way, but a thick skin can end up being your saving grace. You've taught your children well. Being soft in a cruel world not only hurts, it can kill you.

[@_av_poetry]

Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. Much appreciated.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i like the last one best...yes, have a thick skin...but be kind...and i think if that holds...it is easy to sleep at night...no matter what others do or how they treat us...
i do really like your "emotional vampires"
love that image...bat shaped hearts all black and fluttering just overhead.
j.

[@_av_poetry]

Thanks for reading Jacob. Have been feeling a bit drained lately due to being affected by some people of that kind but writing this poem helped me put some things into perspective.

[emipoemi]

I love the message! I relate to the message! It's something we all should strive for in life. That ending is golden too. There are a couple of poetic technicalities that should be tweaked to make this more fluid and powerful, but the most important critique is that the armadillo never really gets touched upon. We're supposed to deduce the significance with the "thick skin" lines, but it's kind of hard to actually care about it without the motif hovering over the poem. You don't have to spell it out in every stanza, but the significance of the armadillo should be referenced in a couple of important places (ie the beginning and end) to really do the title justice. But well done overall. Much enjoyed.

[@_av_poetry]

Thanks Emi. I know what you mean. Your critique is always on point. Glad you enjoyed.

[emipoemi]

my pleasure.

[Chris Shaw]

What a strong message here for your children. If I had my time all over again, the one thing I would look for in a partner is kindness. Everything else pales into insignificance. Be kind to people, but retain a thick skin yourself for those you meet in life who do not lead by your example. Great poetry. Well done.

Chris

[@_av_poetry]

Lovely profile picture Chris! Thank you for reading. This poem flowed straight out of my heart after a long time of experiencing a writing drought. It means a lot. :)

[Chris Shaw]

You came back with a really strong poem. Hope your muse hangs around, and thanks for the compliment:))

[Chris Shaw]

oh, and fifth stanza is my favourite because it is the sort of message I would convey myself.