Didn’t give you much of a chance
Nor did you hold up much of a stance
Being a single mother since I was less than one
And I being the only and youngest son
My salvation was your greatest concern
At eleven I gave my heart so I wouldn’t burn
Decades later I still know I’m saved
But you wouldn’t know it in how I behaved
You would suggest behavior in all that I did
Very few things did you ever forbid
Out of respect I followed most of the time
Never really caught when I did the crime
Next milestone was at the age of thirteen
The year I was no longer green
Lost innocence under the green porch light
She was twenty five and my mother was mostly right
Changed my life’s path for good and for sure
Some would say I was no longer pure
Could or would, knowing I couldn’t change a thing
Even going from a tenor to baritone when I sing
© 2011 Michael Yost
http://gooseberrygoespoetic.blogspot.com/
Jingle Poetry At The Gooseberry Garden
Jingle Poetry At The Gooseberry Garden, A Place for Poets To Share and Get Inspired!
http://magicinthebackyard.wordpress.com/2011/11/04/free-write-friday-hindsight-is-2020/#comment-4062
Michael's Lair 
this tugged at my heart strings michael. im so happy to have you in this week. i love inspiring writes such as this! thank yu truly!
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Thanks Kellie. Glad to be here.
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Thanks for sharing…an inspired writing that made me think .
Peace,
Siggi in Downeast Maine
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I’m happy you liked it. Thanks for the comment and for stopping by.
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Michael, POW! The interplay between mom’s rules (or lack of them) and son’s path… between our perceptions of God and our own worldliness. THIRTEEN? Holy kielbasa, Batman!! “Some say I was no longer pure…” I say, it’s not about the events, it’s about what you learn from them. Purity, highly overrated! Loved it. Amy
http://sharplittlepencil.wordpress.com/2011/11/01/skin-like-a-cloak/
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Thanks for the support and great comment.
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Michael, I believe that everything we have gone/put ourselves through is all part of God’s design. Why? Only He knows the answer to that. I think that I would not be the strong person I am today had I not been through the mill and I wouldn’t be able to deal with what life has thrown at me today if I didn’t have that strength 🙂 Just a thought. Peace, love and blessings, Terri
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Thanks Terri. This was a poem based on Free Write Friday; Magic In The Backyard’s request. I agree with you and feel stronger for life’s experience. All things are good smiles….
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What doesn’t defeat us makes us stronger…great piece. It shows how life can mold us into bitter or better…great work!!
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Thank you and to let you know I really liked your letter. For some reason I couldn’t comment. The letter gave me some insight into a young ladies trials.
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Nicely done Boog
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wow, thirteen and twenty-five? crazy! I did enjoy how you penned this – your verse flows delicately through some hard topics. thanks for sharing.
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Glad you enjoyed it. It was a crazy time in my life.
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Wow the poem had a scary undertone. 13 and 25? I mean some boys dream of this but what of the woman? The purity is still there because no matter the warnings the boy still was innocent. A very thought provoking poem indeed.
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You should read my response to Marian. The woman went back to her own family after the one time incidence.
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hard to read, to tell the truth. whoosh.
the rhyming and rhythm here really lighten up what feels very dark and serious. (she says, looking over at her kids, not yet 13)
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Family friends and people who have access to your children need to be under a parents scrutiny at all times.
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a man’s perspective on mothering, coming of age, changes etc…lovely Boo, thanks for the visits muahhhhhh. I hope all’s well your way. I totally enjoyed the link and the video, thank you!
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Glad you liked the piece and you’re welcome.
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Love how we can share our stories through poetry. 🙂
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Thanks for the comment and the visit. Loved your site!
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Crazy stuff happened to you there. Hope you found some real match later on. Great write.
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Several, thanks! smiles…
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You are so right about parents keeping a close eye on those around their children. Even those you think you can trust…
Sometimes no matter how much Mom warns us–we have to take another path. xo
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It’s generally the one you have no concerns about; where trust is never thought about. It’s like the old adage about assuming that comes to mind. The path I took could have benefited more with her advice… smiles…
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I have to say, you made me smile at the end. I needed that tonight. Thanks man.
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You’re welcome. Glad I could help. smiles…
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so true.
deep writing.
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Thanks Jingle.
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Michael, such an honest poem and so very heartbreaking.
I grew up with just my mom too and so did my son. This is what he sent me for Mother’s Day …
http://musingbymoonlight.com/2011/06/08/broken-homes-single-mothers-amazing-sons/
Be well, Michael. Poem on …
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After giving a long answer to what you shared, I’ll just say thanks again.
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I love the piece and hope you found it meaningful, Michael.
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For the most part I find writing to be cathartic and life changing. Thanks Jamie for your kind words.
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I can relate to this one with regard to your mom. She sounds like she was much like mine. I’m thankful for her. Nice write, Michael!
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Thanks Charles. This has been my favorite now since I wrote it. I’m glad you liked it and that it reminded you of your mom.
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did your mom get to see this poem?
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No she passed away 4 years ago at the age of 93. Alzheimers.
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Glad to see you at poetry picnic,
fantastic writing, smiles.
have fun!
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The turtle has to come out some time…. smile
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fantastic writing, keep it up.
Happy Poetry Picnic.
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Thanks for your visit and comment.
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Great write as usual ! 🙂
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Thank you sir.
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A smile at the end. A sweet tale of triumph.
Cheers,
Mark Butkus
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Thanks for visiting and for the comment. You have a delightful site.
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