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Impersonal Parade Waves



I dont want you to be a beautiful princess -
wrapped in silk and jewels
waving impersonal parade waves
to the masses,
prostrating themselves at your feet.

I dont want you to have everything
your heart desires,
or the means to have your wishes
granted by servants
willing to kiss your feet
while you walk all over them.

I dont want you to live in
a white stone castle
upon the tallest mountain,
safe from intruders
and protected from harm...

I want you to be the peasant girl
wrapped in tattered muslin,
with matted hair and bare feet
toughened by the jagged cobblestone streets
you walked through,
to get where your dreams lead you.

I want you to work until your muscles ache
for a loaf of bread and some water,
and when you go home at night
I want you to make your bed in the dust
and fall asleep,
dreaming of being a princess.

Because - someday when you do wear your crown
you wont ask them to worship you,
you wont offer them impersonal parade waves -

You will come down from your tower
to shake hands with the masses,
and help them to their feet.

And you will never use yours
to walk on anyone elses dreams.

Author notes

about someone I love very much. My baby daughter Torrae (9 months old now). I dont want her to grow up having everything handed to her...I want her to grow up and learn to work for what she wants, and to appreciate what she has and the people around her. thats all.
Written May 10th, 2006 by B i g m a m m a j e n

A contest entry

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Comments

1 - 17 of 17

  • CatastrophicSmile
    November 24, 2008

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    Because - someday when you do wear your crown
    you wont ask them to worship you,
    you wont offer them impersonal parade waves -



    i looooved this write it was amaaazing


  • Sagittarius silver member
    November 22, 2008

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    Super

    Hi Jen. Missed you, and this poem helped me see why. What a wonderful tribute, and such wise wishes for your daughter. I'm sure she'll follow in Mommy's footsteps, and Mommy's happiness.

    Sag


  • Ashbert
    July 29, 2008

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    Beautiful!

    I thought this was absolutely beautiful. Not only were the words perfect and it flowed so well, but its a great message, a great lesson I think should be taught more broadly.


  • slipperssun gold member
    January 31, 2007

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    thank you for your entry into my contest. i love the message that you have shared and i wishyou well in the contest

  • talesien
    January 4, 2007
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    I can see how this poem may have been the early iteration of "Ugly Bike". Very well written.

  • Suzanne Dia
    December 7, 2006
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    This is the best thing to wish for any of our children or even ourselves. Again you left me with goosebumps. Beautiful, and I love that photo.




  • myrataal silver member
    November 27, 2006

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    A Winner in Every Way!

    Dearest Jen --

    I marvel at your being. If only this world had more mothers like you, it would have been a far better place. I simply adore your work. Every line in this poem is so lovely, I cannot dare to pick a favorite part. But what I really DID find a tiny bit more precious, was:

    Because - someday when you do wear your crown
    you won't ask them to worship you

    Those lines will stay with me for a LOOOOOOONG time to come.

    Love ya gal.

    Myra


  • Animals Rule123
    November 22, 2006

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    great job!you did great on this poem!I would give it a 10 out of 10 If I were a judge for a contest!keep up the good work!never give!and try your best!


  • qttjbaby
    May 20, 2006
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    wow, that is exactly how i feel about my children, so that if they do become very successful, they'll know how to provide for others who really need it as well as for themselves without having their noses so far up in the air that they have to worry about drowning when it rains. best of luck in the contest, great entry.

  • riley
    May 11, 2006
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    I feel kinda weird about how long it took me to realize this poem was about your daughter.

    Anyway, I could be wrong, but I suspect you were purposely taking this to the extreme here as a way of emphasizing that it's better to have humility than be arrogant because you've had everything handed to you on a silver platter. Which I agree with you, that's what I'd do if I ever had a daughter or son, a situation that'll remain hypothetical for the indefinite future, since I'm not going to do that, but that's beside the point.

    I'm sure you'll do a great job of teaching Torrae to live this way. And I think she's lucky to have you as her mother.


  • Pretty Escape
    May 10, 2006
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    Wow, this piece is amazing.


  • Jeremy0826 silver member
    May 10, 2006
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    What a wonderful poem with a beautiful message behind it. Thanks for sharing it!

    Allen0826


  • u took my user name
    May 10, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    "I want you to be the peasant girl
    wrapped in tattered muslin,
    with matted hair and bare feet
    toughened by the jagged cobblestone streets
    you walked through,
    to get where your dreams lead you." omg omg omg. this poem is great. i really enjoyed this write. i guess the fruit is sweeter when you work for it. i agree with you. that feeling of accomplishment is something great, and when she gets to the top, to wherever she wants to be in life, she will apprecciate the small things very much, as well as her family that will be tehre all the way for support when needed.
    great write. a pleasure to read, and i am happy your daughter has a mom (or dad?)like you who tries to bring them up the right way... and not feed them with a golden spoon.
    best wishes
    L4L


  • bethan-gaze
    May 10, 2006
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    That last line is the jewel in this wonderful poem. Some great hopes and aspirations abound here with an underbelly of sound wisdom. Great!

  • fredhib
    May 10, 2006
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    absolutely splendid I really like the last two lines and agree whole heartedly with the sentiments expressed - excellent write


  • catz Moderators member
    May 10, 2006
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    Oh, Jen, rhis is just about the most loving and heartfelt life a mother could want for her children.

    I feel that before we can truly know and understand what it's like to not have everything, we must first live it, feel it, learn from it. We must first walk that mile in those shoes.

    We always want our children to have a good life, to achieve all that they aspire to, but first things first, let them learn responsibility, feel compassion, know what it's like to be hurt and to be loved.

    Your poem carries a strong message, one every parent and aspiring parent would do well to read...and every child, too. Hmmm... guess that about covers everyone, huh

    It's nice to see a new post from you and I wish you good luck in the contest

    much love and big
    Dee


  • Cupcrazy gold member
    May 10, 2006
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    Wonderful piece, filled with love and wonderful sentiments, the feel and flow are excellent. great write! Keep your pen forever flowing! Bunny

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