I've been trying to write this poem for years
but I can't find the words to accurately describe
the world of Love
I was born into and raised in
by the most unbelievably selfless people
I am so blessed to call
my parents
Their Love
has only grown over the decades
from what I have seen
and although my brothers and I
haven't always made it easy for them
they only ever showed us Love
I was so lucky to come home everyday
and enjoy an amazing meal
with both of my parents there
unlike so many of my friends
living in two homes
losing faith in Love
at such an early age
I'm almost certain
that I have never heard my parents fight
about anything significant anyway
they only gave me beautiful memories
rather than the screaming
so many of my friends heard growing up
They raised us in amazing neighbourhoods
with lush trees and magical lakes
and my Dad would warn me
that bears hid in the trees on the hill
at the lake across from my house
and I would tip-toe around the trees
when I wasn't running freely or sledding down
enjoying the time we spent there together
then one day I realized
that my Dad was the bear in the trees
the cuddly kind that gave great big bear hugs
and would always protect me
from anything the world tried to scare me with
My Mom would spend ages combing my tangled hair
careful not to hurt me
or brushing it gently until I was so relaxed
I could sleep
and she would tie beautiful ribbons in my hair
and colourful barrettes
while she told me she used to brush her own hair
one hundred strokes every morning and every night
I used to watch her apply her makeup
and I memorized the names of the jewelery she sold
because I wanted to be just like her
my amazing mother
who had the hardest job of all
raising me
And when I was a bratty bitch towards her
she just kept dishing out Love and support
never wavering
even though I broke her heart
a million times
and I eventually realized that I was just like her
because she shaped me into the strong independent woman
that I am today
never giving up on those I Love
just like Mom
Her endurance and dedication
to her family
are nothing short of admirable
and I'm not sure
if I will ever be able to truly thank her for it
for giving up her dreams
so she could raise her family
and ensure that we had the best possible Life
I just hope she knows that we did
We do
And if you've been blessed enough
to cross paths with my Dad
in your lifetime
then you must know
where my sense of humour
and perseverance come from
My Dad is the greatest Man I Know
the kindest, most caring Man I Know
His patience is endless
and his selflessness is beyond reason
He is so full of Love
he would do anything for anybody
in fact
he goes out of his way
to help everyone
His strength and generosity
are mind blowing
and I can only hope
I have inherited
at least a small portion
of those traits from him
If it's true
that so many grown women
search for a man just like their Dad
I am almost certain
I will never find one
as stellar as mine
because he's one in a million
but I would be content
knowing I had something similar
if someone ever looks at me
the way my parents look at each other
Now as I watch you
the Love still never-ending
as you take care of each other
and we take care of you
I know that I want nothing more
than to live a life full of Love like yours
and when I eventually marry
(yes Mom there is still hope for me yet)
how can you blame me
for never settling
when I have witnessed pure magical
Endless Love
and I have role models like you
One day I will tell my own children
the Story of my Parent's Lives
because it is the greatest Fairytale I know
I'm fully aware it began
with the story of their own parent's lives
and that so much of them
came from their wonderful families
All I can hope for
is that one day
My own story will be shared
and hopefully
it is just as remarkable as theirs.
© Ang Boyce 2011
