I look at you with wonder
and I try to figure out ... how ...
how can I get you safely through your childhood
I can do it by talking to you at night
And by giving you lots of kisses and hugs
I can do it by going outside with you
While you ride your bike and search for bugs
I can do it by making you go into the store with me
Instead of leaving you inside of a running car
I can do it by walking through the park with you
Instead of letting you go away on your own too far
If you are in my eyesight in public
Then hopefully no harm will come your way
I will get to take you back home with me
And keep hugging you every day
Author notes
It kills me to see little children running through the park or the mall with no parent in sight. Your child should always be in eyesight of you, especially at this young age. My poem is more toward the younger kids, and as my son grows older, I'm sure I'll have different ideas on the things I need to do for him. To me, the inconvienience of having to turn my car off to go get a coke, or miss a show or the air conditioner to play outside, or even check the public bathrooms before he can go in is a small price to pay to keep my son safe. I have so many horror stories flash through my mind when this subject comes up.
I also just want to say that I'm not trying to say...watch your child, nothing bad will ever happen, this is just something many parents don't do that most of the time is the first step to something happening to their kids. This is such a hard subject to tackle, and as long as there are people that have the desire to hurt children, unfortunately it won't ever stop.
Thank you
Gold in KeepingTheStars' contest allpoetry.com/Contest/590669
Written April 20th, 2004
In a list
A contest entry
- Our Children by KeepingTheStars.
300 points, ended April 28, 2004, 10 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 32 of 32
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Great write
When I was a kid, mom and dad never let me go far without knowing where I was at all times, I guess today parents are too busy to allways be there, anyway I do get your point, kids need to be better cared for, and even more so when they are still very small. Your poem is well written and one that sends a message to every parent. Well done and thanks for sharing.
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I can relate to your thoughts in this poem and i can see this deserving the gold that it got,
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This is simply beautiful sweetie. You did a tremendous job.
It has touched my heart more than you could ever know.
Congratulations on a well deserved win.
Sam
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*cries* ok, so i'm a sap... but this is wonderful. it makes me think of several ppl i know who's parents never seemed to care about them. i was lucky, i guess, and my parents always showed how much they loved me, and they supported me.
excellent write.
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Great advice. My only single rule as a parent is 'never leave a child unattended.' That's like a sacred rule and no matter what, we stick to it like holly scripture. The only other thing that helps as a supplement to this is, prayer, lots of it, and somehow, you will see them grow to be beautiful individuals void of the mistakes that you as a child went through.(hopefully)
Your poem is written with the same love and care you devote to your kids so well done and thank you for sharing it. Good luck with the contest though with this you shouldn't need luck really.
Watching'ly,
Spear -->
Edited on Apr 23, 10:55 because 'typo caused by allowing the mind get ahead of the fingers!'. -
i understand what you are saying. But what kills me is that children can no longer be allowed to roam free and experience the adventure of childhood. It has turned into a must of parenting that children be watched at all times - yet, it is imperative that developing adults learn on their own the concept of cause and effect (this cannot be learned vicariously - in my view).
Nice poem - but, a real shame, in my estimation.
Scott -
Excellentt write! I agree with you completely.We must watch over our children and cherish them for they are only young once. There is so much we miss because of our everyday lives.We need to slow down and enjoy them now.God Bless,Patty
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Nurturing
I am a mom with 2 grown boys and am now a Grandma to a beautiful grand daughter and one on the way any day now. I have always been close to my boys and wouldn't trade being a Grandma for the world. Keep them close, guide them, but teach them self confidence and to respect others and they will be safe and will teach their children the same. I love your poem! -
good
beautifully written with a lot of points that you made and you did it well. I agree with you and how you feel. This ia a good write and thanks for sharing.
God is blessing you
With Christian Love,
Dawn -
Not a parent myself, but I can still appreciate this. I've seen people do some pretty irresponsible things regarding their children. It's sick, how people act like they can't be bothered with their own flesh and blood. Very nice write.
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Grrr I had a comment going and it disappeared! I hate that! In any case, I totally agree with you, parents should keep a more watchful eye on their children - it only takes a second for some sicko to step in and snatch a child.
You're a great mommy hon.
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Good for you for writing this, and hopefully someone will think twice before allowing their kid to be out-of-sight/out-of-mind too long. I was in a Wal-Mart not too long ago and had this little guy tug on my jacket. With the biggest, brown eyes he asked "Do you know where my mommy is?". He was so pale from the fear -- I don't know how he kept himself from crying, but the look in those eyes just about killed me. I ended up handing him over to the store staff and was shocked to see all of the kids they had, waiting to be reunited with parents! One of the Wal-Mart crew told me that many just **lose** their kid so they can shop in **peace**. How utterly selfish. I'm not saying that you can protect your kid 24/7, because there will be distractions etc.,. to test you. Legitimate distractions are one thing, but to put your kid through the emotional wringer **on purpose** is child abuse IMHO
. Leaving a child unattended in a car in inexcusable. The photo you used is wonderful.
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I love it I worked with kids for a while, and i grew pretty close to a couple of them - I looked out for them constantly (as well as the others of course) I know there are so many horror stories - it's a shame the whole world doesn't share your love for thier children.
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p.s. love the picture
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You are a good Mother. I think this is a really good piece. Probably one of my favorites and the author comments brought tears to the corners of my eyes. The small things matter th most. Watching your child when they are playing at the park, taking them in the store with you.. all the things you mentioned, and not on that, hugging them every morning and every night. I know this may be terrible, and I dont think in any other situtaion I would admit it outloud (or in writing) But sometimes when I see a child, a small child walking in the street alone, or sitting in a hot car alone..... or in the store with no parent in sight, I feel like grabbing them... if just to scare the parent, put some fire in their heart, make them realize, it can happen so quickly, you have to pay attention.... although I know this would be kidnapping and would get me in a lot of trouble, that doesnt stop the urge to show these parents... some of us live without our children... they should take better care of theirs... *sigh*
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You are a good mommy! If more people were as responsible as you the world would be a different place...I'm sure. Great poem very truthful!
peace and love
Susan
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good
this is a good poem. -
Although i don't have any kids of my own...i know i would not let them run about on their own. I seen alot of that a few years back when i lived in the city...very young children by themselves crossing the street on their own. Or I would get young children alone coming to my door selling chocolate bars for school. Shame on them...they tell kids not to talk to strangers but it's ok as long as your selling something?
Great write with a very worthy message. -
i like the picture a lot. i'm only 14, so i don't know what it's like to have a child, but it seems like you are a very loving and caring mother. this is a great poem. reminds me of mary for some reason. anyway, your son is very lucky to have you!
always
lost -
Lovely picture, even better poem. Cute write, and it speaks of the ineffable bond between mother and child. Conjuring with words what cannot be said with prosaic descriptions. I liked it alot.
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this is very cute, and sweet! it has a good message! children should never be left alone is this crule world! i loved this! keep up the good work!
~always,
chelsea -
A very sweet write. It is heartbreaking to see a little girl running around crying, "mama? mama?" Beautiful picture too. Good sweet simple write!!!
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EXCELLENT
Amen If you don't have time predators do and that is exactly what they watch for. Children alone and I have the dental work to prove it from being raped at 16. Don't expect your child to tell you either because children try to handle things to upset their parents and OFTEN predators play guilt trips on their victims like if you don't I'll say you did and since I'm older I'll be believed. Predators were all six once and become grandpas so even with peers and too eager babysitter volunteers...
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I like this. I agree with you, you can't keep your child one hundred percent safe, but the hard you try the better your and of course your child's odds are. I liked how you started this, although it reminds me of last night when I went to check on my son he was asleep with his finger up his nose lmao and I took it out and I went back a half an hour later and there it was again. LOL This is great and I wish you much luck in this contest.
MISTY -
Wow! a beautiful poem, its so sweet! well done! ~lulu~
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Solid poem. Kinda stumbled at the end with the change in tone. But still a very solid write. Not sure how you could have pulled this off any differently.
Truer words were never spoken. Nothing upsets or frustrates me more than inattentive parents. Adults that are yelling at their wee kiddies, in the grocers at 10:00 pm., because their child is tired and cranky and acting like a 3yr. old. I'd like to shake the parents. What do they expect? They're not dealing with a rational human being nor is it an adult in a wee midget suit, it is a child acting their age.
Strong message and clear imagery. Good work.
Jill -
You're right. My mam fosters kids who are in care, and have been through alot. It is hard to see those things, and as they get older they notice the little things that were missing as a child such as a kiss or a hug, or a simple I love you. Many kids have to go through alot of stuff, and it is sad to see them go through that crap.
A very good write, a very good point made.
An excellent write -
Thiswas a very true and very sweet write. I agree with keeping the child in sight and taking care of them and making sure they arent swallowed up by society and these filthy people who crawl about the city wanting to take them away.
-J.
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A nice sweet motherly poem, full of very simple yet true statements. I was thrown off a little at the last paragraph when the whole flow of the piece changed. You kinda had a theme going with the "I can dos". Then you switched to a different angle, and one that read a little awkwardly at first. But that isn't to say you should change it. I liked the message it has, and there probably isn't any other way to say what you said at the end. Good job.
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That's like every parents, guardians, older siblings, etc. dream. And yeah, it is true that you should take them to the store and make them your eyesight, but even so, that can prevent kidnappings but only to a violent point. You've done well expressing yourself and your protective side in this poem and best of luck to you in the contest.
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Oh I feel the same as you do with this write... there have been so many bad things that have happened to children, because of Lazy mothers. That's what I call them, anyway. My son loves to do things with me, sometimes it's just those nights cuddling on the couch watching tv that makes him feel at his best I really enjoyed this write, all it takes is just some time, let your child(ren) know that you love them.
Awesome words, Whisper!! Keep up on the writing
~Aimee
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these are incredibly good sentiments indeed
and every mothers hope is that we can keep our babies safe.... lets keep the vigil for our children's sake.
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