You will never teach me sympathy for my parents

Who’d curse me as if your life and love were punishments

For ways I burdened them and gave little gratitude

For ways I criticized them for their ineptitude.

Grandchild, forgive them for the sin; they don’t understand

What blaspheme it is to make a child a reprimand

They so want vindication, they don’t wish you my best

Were I subpar, they’d crow I too failed parenthood’s test.

Little one, don’t fear – I am not naive to your need

I’ve planned out my life around you, it’s why I don’t breed

You ought only get all one can give, such is your worth

Rather than improvise your care, I gift you non-birth.