I am so sorry.
You were only five
What did you know
Of schedules and
Lesson plans and
Principal’s demands?

You were only five.
How were you to
Understand the constant
Needs that nagged
Like gnats swarming?
Or paychecks that didn’t
Stretch or reports to be
Filed or the drive to
Do it all not just right
But perfectly?

You were only five and
The natural center of
Your own universe.
The big world spinning
Obliviously around you.
What did you care about
Rules and rotes?

You were only five and
Screaming ideas popped
Out of your mouth of
Their own accord,
Your arms and legs full of
Uncontained energy.

You were only five
And what could you
Know of straws that
Broke camels backs
Of pots that boiled over,
Or patience that snapped
Like a rubber band?

But I was not five
And I knew.
I am so sorry.
“Can’t you do anything right?”
I said and looked
At your face and felt T
hose words slam back at
Me who tried to do everything
So right that I forgot
You were only five.