Just look at all the pretty children
they are combed and dressed so nice
but you didn’t give the youngest a bath
and you let that go last week, and twice
you raised your voice and yelled at them
over a handstand and a make shift band
but yesterday you let one get away
without even a comment or a reprimand.
You fed the little children their pieces of fruit
what a healthy, delicious snack
but last week you took them for ice cream
and you know on Friday you’re going right back.
You’ve babied them and smothered them
and they’ll never stand on their own
you weren’t nurturing enough, too selfish
to play and dance and tell them they shone.
You’re a bad example for staying at home
you’re a horrible mother for working each day
go ahead, toss a coin, roll the dice because
no matter the outcome you’ve lost anyway.
Oh, you’re doomed if you do and you’re
doomed if you don’t and you’ll never get it right
because a mother has guilt that’s at war
with her mind and you will never win this fight.
But don’t let those doubts eat away at your heart
all you can do is your very best
if you make sure they know that you love them
don’t worry about the rest.
Copyright © 2025 Lisa Paul
A Little Bit of Everything, With Love 
There is so much truth and dilemma in this poem. One can only do ones best and this comes across. Thought provoking poem .Well done !
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, I am so glad this comes across. I think we are so hard on ourselves!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lisa, you have captured the dilemma of being a mother – being a working mum or a stay at home one – so well 🙌
LikeLiked by 2 people
To be a mother is to feel guilty. The funny thing is, when your kids are all grown up, and they have turned out just fine, you wonder why you beat yourself up over every little thing LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I know!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lisa, this feels so real. I really connect with the reminder that love and doing our best is what matters most.
~David
LikeLiked by 2 people
The responsibility in being a parent is so great that its hard not to second guess most of what you do. But yes, you are right, that is what matters most. Thank you for your comment, David
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤗 🤗 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
The angst of being a mother—always difficult to get it right. Brilliant, Lisa. 👏
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, Lesley!
LikeLiked by 1 person
💓
LikeLiked by 1 person
‘because a mother has guilt that’s at war with her mind’, I think this is the line that will haunt every parent.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment!
LikeLike
Congratulations, Lisa! I’m delighted to declare you as the winner — your poem captured the playful rhythm beautifully while carrying the weight of maternal guilt, perfectly embodying the contrast this prompt called for.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my!! I am so honored and grateful! Thank you! ✨❤️✨❤️
LikeLike
wonderful subject.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! ✨❤️
LikeLike
Lisa! How did I miss this! I try to read everything but… What an emotional rollercoaster. A mother could do everything and it’s still never enough to assuage the guilt. So well done 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awww! Thank you! Yes, it’s impossible to escape. ❤️✨❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, a lot of true feelings in this! People who have high paying jobs that allow one parent to stay home, which used to be sort of normal, is no longer an option for most families. Unfortunately, it seems the more money you have, the more you spend and the more you want!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is so true! It’s very difficult to manage on one salary now, but we have a tendency to increase our needs as our income increases! Thank you for your thoughtful comment! xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person