Dear Problem Child

Dear Problem Child,

I saw what happened,
I saw the fear in your eyes
When it stopped being anger
When it became hate

I know it hurts when he hits you
I know you were just playing
But this is a lesson you must learn
You must learn that your actions will hurt

Your mother doesn't worry
In her eyes it will help you
Your sisters don't worry
They never feel the pain

If you would stop talking back
If you would just listen
Maybe you wouldn't get hurt
Maybe he'd start loving you

You dilberately disobey
You throw temper tantrums
You're a brat
You need to learn your place

It might take a while
It might take years
But one day you might break away
And then there will be tears

I'm sorry you had to go through this, Problem Child
But the world hurts sometimes
You can go through life blaming others
Or place the blame on yourself

So, Problem Child, what will it be?
Will you learn from your mistakes?
Will you poke the bear?
Or will you become a better person?

Oh God please pick wisely

Sincerely,
Jamie Paul