FOR Promptly Poetry Challenge (2023-24)

Inspired by a song (Prompt - MUSIC)

I wish

I wish I'd heard this one
When I was a child
I wish those who kept me safe and warm
Had also let me run wild.

My mother, she was the boss always
With her orders oh so brisk
and her usual theme phrase was
"Do not take a risk".

I learnt not to put things on the line
I learnt not to take a chance
and given the choice - I'd sit it out
seldom did I dance.

But as I write this I think some more
Maybe I'm being unfair
Though in some things, protected
at others I did dare.

I joined a copywriting course
At seventeen, the youngest there
and my Mom kept up my college notes
Yes, Mom, you did care.

Dad took me on camps with him
Living in tents, observing wildlife
Remote islands, steep mountain paths
With adventures were rife.

Both my parents have left me now
They're together, somewhere I guess
And I know I put much blame on them
Whenever life was a mess

But I hope they know I thank them
Coz while the steps weren't quite conventional
I realise, as I write this poem
That they did let me dance after all!