My dad told me from an early age that respect is earned, not a given due to title or blood. I know I let fear win too often with my children in an effort to protect them, but I always let them have a voice.


Tightening

Control is an illusion.

Fear is misplaced when the world is spinning,
and we think tightening the reins,
imposing strict guidelines,
curfews, and rigid protocols,
will set things right.

We try to calm the chaos by demanding
dominance over this one life.
Driven by love, or perhaps by fear,
the need to control
will never grant the peace you seek.

Respect cannot be ordered.
It is earned.
Neither a title
nor the blood coursing through veins
will ever be enough.

Children are meant to be free
to find their way,
to learn from their own mistakes.
If you control their choices,
their wings are clipped.

You may think you have won,
kept them safe,
and preserved your beliefs
with your endless wills and will-nots.
Forced order benefits you.

But in the end, you have lost.
Respect is not a game to win.
It is an honor to be earned.
To demand it only turns
love into resentment.





Poetry by Melinda K Zarate The PoetBay support member heart!
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Written on 2026-07-30 at 06:14

Tags Family  Control  Rules 

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