I longed for independence as a kid.
I wanted power, to be in control
of self of course, and boundaries I’d rid
or cherish. I took on an adult role.
I wasn’t scared of bills, and though I loved
my family, I pushed their care away.
I sometimes yelled or threw a fit or shoved –
I tried to modulate most every day.

When parents cut me off, financially,
I didn’t hate them but I wouldn’t bow.
I never took a dime from them again.
To owe them would have cost too much to me.
It’s strikes me, for I am the parent now,
my kids don’t share the feelings I had then.