But You Weren’t Listening

You were in a sound sleep:

Gentle and tender;

Suddenly came a soft whimper,

And I shook your cradle back and forth.

I told you not to cry for he would come soon.

Yet you kept on crying.

I told you

But you weren’t listening

You were playing with your friends:

Mischievous and playful;

Suddenly came a ball flying at high speed,

And I ducked to save my young face.

I told you not to hit hard for you would hit someone.

Yet you shattered a glass window.

I told you

But you weren't listening

You were off to college:

Proud and “responsible”;

Suddenly I heard a loud noise,

And I held your hand tightly.

I told you to be careful.

Yet you started a fight with those thieves.

I told you

But you weren’t listening

Now you are by my side:

Sad and Somber;

Suddenly I feel a slight pain,

And you grip my hand firmly.

You ask me to talk with you

But now I have nothing to say,

Because I had told you everything I had learned

But you weren’t listening