Parental Acceptance
the search for parental acceptance
leads to a difficult place
if either parent,
is held captive to a fragile fate
the blame of others
is found in fixed beliefs
but these can only be protective
trying to hide the bruises underneath
i see you,
stumble from your house
up the garden path
long lost parents call from you from the door
but you cannot get past
and a self serving narrative hits the floor
the search for parental hugs
in hallways, living rooms,
and under murky rugs
the hope of understanding
lost in the pain,
of true understanding
emotions inside remain clenched
rage a victim of containment
invested social connection
becomes a broadcastable derailment
and then, here we are
painting the walls
tied to alternative ‘truths’
that seem only to suit your rules
James Garratt – 16th August 2018
The Boy Behind The Glasses. Poetry and Writing 