Hope You Understand

Reflecting on the feeling of being a parent trying to explain our troubled world.

Now it’s easy, you’re barely one

I’ll protect you, we’ll have nothing but fun, and...

I couldn’t tell you, you wouldn’t understand

 

It's a little less easy, now you can think

I’ll try to protect you, I'll watch your heart sink and…

I couldn’t tell you, you wouldn’t understand

 

Do I think it'll be easy, when you're fully grown?

I can't always protect you, sometimes you're alone, and...

I have to tell you, to help you understand!

 

The world's full of beauty, wonder and fun

But darkness hides, away from the sun, and… 

 

It won't be easy, but try not to be scared.

I'll do my best, help you be strong and prepared.

We won't turn away, stick our heads in the sand.

I had to tell you,

I hope you understand.

Reviews

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

So beautiful and poignant. Well-written and rhymed. This poem tenderly expresses how difficult it is to explain life to our children- especially with what is happening now. Great use of echoing of lines to end with " I hope you understand" emphasizes the parents' struggle. Excellent poem.

[Joe]

Thank you very much for your review Annette! This is the first thing I've ever written to the point I thought I might share it. Having someone read AND like it was very exciting!

[amyo]

Your tag caught my attention, as I too am a parent trying to understand and explain the world. I really connected to the idea of needing to explain difficult things but also trying to protect. I only hope I can live "parenting" with the delicacy that you have used in your poem. I really enjoyed reading your piece. Keep writing!

[Nicole]

I like your refrain of "I hope you understand." I really relate to the subject of your poem since I have a child of my own. The progression of time is well done. I see how your conversation would change with your child as they grow and become more aware of the world around them.

I, too, worry about bringing my own child up in this troubled world and eventually explaining to him the hows and whys of people's actions. I don't have all or any answers, really, but I think kindness and respect are good places to start.

Thank you for sharing!