My father taught me to treat others with kindness,

My mother taught me to hold me ground.

My father taught me how to argue succinctly,

My mother taught me patience unbound.

My mother and father taught me respect—

What it feels like to have it,

to reciprocate and expect.

They taught things worth loving

Are things I should protect.

My mother taught me compliments don’t have to be about my body,

My father taught me to have standards for anyone that wants me.

My mother taught me boundaries and that I can cut off,

My father taught me the cost of burnout and when I should shut off.

My parents taught me complexity,

How we change through the years.

They showed me adults are no different, they feel pain and they shed tears.

They fight and they differ,

They tire and grow sad,

But even when I’m bitter,

They gave me the best love I’ve ever had.

Thanks Mom and Dad