My daughter once divorced me
when she was about eleven.
She accused me of too much “Virgo-ing”,
as she so noted in her claim,
and my lame attempts at moon-walking,
were, she said, “embarrassing to me”.
She was tired of me not listening
to her pleas regarding her lunches–
“I don’t want any mustard or mayo
on any of my sandwiches!”
I admit this, Your Honor– I couldn’t
seem to accept why anyone would
prefer plain, dry cheese bread?
She also declared that I yanked her head
while brushing her hair one day.
Well maybe I did, just that once, Sir,
but she kept repeatedly jerking it away.
She hated her bedroom wallpaper–
that “flowery, ugly red print”,
I agree, you’re so right, Judge; I should have first
obtained her consent.
I made her wear barrettes in her hair, to
keep her bangs at bay and couldn’t I find
another color besides pink for her to wear?
She complained that I wanted to kiss her
and have an occasional hug–
and why, oh why, did I hover around
and actually talk to all of her friends?
Also, spelled out in her detailed grievance,
was her request for our Sheltie, Leon;
And to wrap it all up–she wanted the house
and all of the contents within.
She drew up the document herself
on her own parent-provided computer
and then ceremoniously hand-delivered
it to me to regale in my expression of horror.
I still have that paper after all of these years to
remind me of that fateful era, when my own dear
daughter went to the extreme of “punking”
her long-suffering mother.
booguloo
/ January 12, 2011Don’t beat yourself up too badly with that billy club you’ve designed..
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Bodhirose
/ January 12, 2011I wished I would have been that ingenious as a kid as she was–I would have divorced both of my parents! She’s a wonderful treasure to me. 🙂
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gracefulglider
/ January 16, 2011i love the play out of the story in this poem.
Oh the things we would learn from our children!!!
Me’be i should give this to mine too and see if it changes a thing or two 😉
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Bodhirose
/ January 16, 2011I learned so much from my two daughters. We’ve taught each other through the years.
You could show it to yours but they may jump on the bandwagon and think it’s a splendid idea!! 🙂
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Tamasin
/ January 12, 2011you are a wonderful mother and this beautiful poem proves it, thank you x
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Bodhirose
/ January 12, 2011Aw, thanks, Tamasin. I think I am a pretty wonderful mother. I’m glad you enjoyed this today.
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danroberson
/ January 12, 2011She was comfortable enough to present you the letter. Long live the children with their dreams and demands. Enjoyed the poem.
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Bodhirose
/ January 12, 2011She enjoyed her joke on me very much! She was an extraordinary child.
I’m happy you enjoyed it, Dan.
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kathe w
/ January 12, 2011hoo boy- now there’s a teenager! I inagiine she has changed just a “bit” since then! Nicely written….and thanks for all your nice comments!
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Bodhirose
/ January 12, 2011She wasn’t even a teenager yet! Those years are a whole other poem… 🙂
She’s a unique, wonderful human being.
I’m enjoying your photos–you’re welcome!
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Jingle
/ January 12, 2011Glad things worked out between you two eventually.
teen age kids intend to rebel, but they do come around and understand their parents ….
lovely piece.
Thanks for sharing!
🙂
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Bodhirose
/ January 12, 2011It’s tough being a kid–I remember!
Thanks, Jingle. 🙂 xoxo
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buttercup600
/ January 12, 2011Brought back memories of years long gone between me and my daughter too….(I still have her letters and notes from those times too) Lovely to read my friend…we won’t have it any other way 🙂 oxoxox
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Bodhirose
/ January 12, 2011Those were treasured times. I still save the sweet cards I get for birthdays, Mother’s Day, etc.–she is a most loving, generous young woman these days.
Thanks for sharing, Amanda. xoxo
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David (1MereMortal)
/ January 12, 2011I enjoyed this piece…I am glad this a memory that could looked upon fondly.
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Bodhirose
/ January 12, 2011It’s a fond and funny memory for me, David. She was a character! 🙂
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yelena m.
/ January 12, 2011This poem made me smile..I feel like re-reading to smile again and again. 🙂
You certainly have such a special way with words, enjoyed very much. Thank you. 🙂
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Bodhirose
/ January 12, 2011I’m glad this made you smile, Yelena. It made me smile to remember and write this. Thank you for your kind comments for me.
You’re welcome. 🙂
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Artswebshow
/ January 12, 2011Blimey, an 11 year thought up a divorce letter.
Looks like you have a lawyer in the making. lol
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Bodhirose
/ January 13, 2011She definitely could have been an attorney but her life has taken her down a different career path! She was something else…
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thingy
/ January 12, 2011LOL, mine just wanted the divorce. No punking.
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Bodhirose
/ January 13, 2011Uh, oh! 🙂
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thoughtsnotlost
/ January 12, 2011Such an interesting and wonderful way to weave your idea in to a poem, loved it!
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Bodhirose
/ January 13, 2011Thank you so much–I really appreciate your comment.
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fiveloaf
/ January 13, 2011pangs of growing up! nice one bodhi.. here’s mine for this thursday.. http://fiveloaf.wordpress.com/2010/02/19/the-tears/
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Bodhirose
/ January 13, 2011Glad you liked this, Fiveloaf–already read yours this morning–simply lovely.
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Marlee-I Mystic
/ January 13, 2011This had me rolling on the floor. Because I can see my daughter doing this in about 7 years 🙂 And all the claims…the audacity. Children are great. Happy Rally!
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Bodhirose
/ January 13, 2011You have to keep a sense of humor with children for sure–the little buggers! She had a lot of audacity–that’s the perfect word.
Prepare yourself, Marlee! 😉 Happy Rally!
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trisha
/ January 13, 2011this is hilarious gayle, kids are so sweet and innocent. that paper is worth million dollars.
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Bodhirose
/ January 13, 2011I like to get that divorce paper out now and then and marvel at how clever she was to think of that–even though at my expense! 🙂
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trisha
/ January 14, 2011this is good, she was a very bright kid for sure. 🙂
i wonder how that idea popped in her head.
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Bodhirose
/ January 14, 2011I don’t remember questioning her about how she came up with that idea. Maybe I’ll see if she can remember. She was very bright as a child–still is as an adult.
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trisha
/ January 15, 2011kids gather these weird ideas from weirdest places usually 🙂
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Bodhirose
/ January 15, 2011They sure do. 🙂
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Jamie Dedes, all rights reserved
/ January 13, 2011Chuckle. The things we do to our kids and the things they do to us. She was actually quite innovative and assertive. At least you knew what was going on with her. Wonderful … and a wonderful poem.
Blessings of the day …
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Bodhirose
/ January 13, 2011You have to have a lot of fortitude to deal with a child–bless their little hearts! She was a very clever and assertive child–I admired her so much for that–still do. I’m glad you had a chuckle this morning.
Thank you.
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Rajlakshmi
/ January 13, 2011kids!!! you are so caring 🙂 she’s lucky to have you…
beautiful write.
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Bodhirose
/ January 13, 2011Thanks for that supportive comment, Rajlakshmi–I think she is lucky to have me. She shares a name with you–her’s is Mahan Lakshmi. We mostly call her just Mahan.
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Linda
/ January 13, 2011Oh, do I remember those days with my sons! One day, when they are older and more aware of the world around them, they come wondering back for all those things they rejected. :o) Wonderful poem…very creative.
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Bodhirose
/ January 13, 2011I think most parents can relate to this. Thanks so very much for your nice comment and sharing with me, Linda.
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kolembo
/ January 13, 2011enjoyed this a great deal, beginning all the way from the title! thanks!
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Bodhirose
/ January 13, 2011So glad you liked this–thanks for letting me know! 🙂
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tasithoughts
/ January 13, 2011So well written. Life ! Children! All part of it.
JP
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Bodhirose
/ January 13, 2011Thanks so much, JP. Children sure can add a whole new dimension to our lives.
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desk49
/ January 14, 2011I’ve heard of kids going out on a limb to play a joke on their parent.
Yet I heard of more of them doing it for real.
Quite a jokester she is.
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Bodhirose
/ January 14, 2011Oh, she went well past the “call of duty” on this one! She was quite a kid.
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Dr Baishali Bhaumik Mitra
/ January 14, 2011Lovely piece, a happy new year and all the best to you. 🙂
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Bodhirose
/ January 14, 2011Thank you for your visit and nice comment.
Happy New Year to you as well. 🙂
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Meanwhile, back at the ranch...
/ January 14, 2011Absolutely adorable. This reminds me of my sister…carrying her huge suitcase down the road at age six because she had been so wronged by my mother…the spunk!
Thanks for sharing.
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Bodhirose
/ January 14, 2011Wow–that was spunky for a six year old. Can’t help but smile at that image… Thanks for sharing that and for your generous comment for me.
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Pseu
/ January 14, 2011Very amusing. How old now?
Frame it and give it to her on her wedding day….?!
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Bodhirose
/ January 14, 2011Thanks for your nice comment and great suggestion too! She’s in her 30s now.
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Desiree
/ January 14, 2011Adorable great post. You seem like a great mom. Keep up the good work.
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Bodhirose
/ January 14, 2011Thanks, Desiree. I appreciate your kind comment.
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liv2write2day
/ January 14, 2011Brilliant daughter. I wonder if you ever thought about divorcing her and why. Maybe that’s fodder for another poem. Made me smile!!
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Bodhirose
/ January 14, 2011She was/is a brilliant daughter, Victoria. She’s wonderful. My thing was that I was going to run away from home! There’s a twist–the Mom runs away from home! 🙂
I happy it made you smile. 🙂
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liv2write2day
/ January 15, 2011Not too much of a twist. I felt like running away last night when I was exhausted and my dog wouldn’t stop barking because she wanted me to throw her stuffy toy! :0)
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Bodhirose
/ January 15, 2011Hahaha! Dogs and kids–they’re almost interchangeable! 🙂
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Jamie Dedes, all rights reserved
/ January 14, 2011I started laughing as soon as I got here and saw that title again.
I just logged in and saw your comment. All yours went into spam. I noticed that been happening since the WordPress update. Lots of people who have been commenting regularly are ending up there???? Is that happening to you?
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Bodhirose
/ January 14, 2011Jamie, I was alarmed because I had commented on two of your postings and found that they had “disappeared”. I was commenting on one of Trish’s other blogs this afternoon and all of a sudden my comments stopped posting. What’s going on here? Help!
I was noticing too that people who had visited me before needed moderating again. Something fishy’s going on…
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FlicShis
/ January 15, 2011Hi,
Your poem takes me down memory lane on the seemingly unending issues and differences with my mother, I think at some point I had ‘divorced’ her
Nice piece:-)
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Bodhirose
/ January 15, 2011Hi, I guess it’s a common thing between parents and children. Thankfully, we’ve remained mostly “reconciled” through our long relationship! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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FlicShis
/ January 15, 2011I’m here:
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Someone Is Special
/ January 16, 2011very beautiful, she must be lucky.. Here is mine, Through a Child Eyes
Someone is Special
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Bodhirose
/ January 16, 2011Already had visited and commented on your delightful poem, SIS. Thanks for sharing your wonderful thoughts.
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Bodhirose
/ January 16, 2011Thanks so much. I think she is lucky too. 🙂
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Life: Between the lines
/ January 16, 2011lol I like it, lol very funny. The story just pulled me in. Thanks 🙂
http://lynnaima.wordpress.com/
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Bodhirose
/ January 16, 2011So happy you enjoyed the humor, Lynnaima. Thanks for your nice comment for me.
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Jingle
/ January 18, 2011Happy Tuesday, return favor to those poets who are here yet you did not reach them initially…
I am saying these to all poets, hope that you take it rationally…
thanks for the support.
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Bodhirose
/ January 19, 2011I am taking this very rationally, Jingle. I understand the need for support for everyone here.
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LeiffyV
/ January 18, 2011Nice, I remember thinking the same way about my mother a long time ago. Ah, the misgivings of a child’s mind. Great work, loved the story and the end. Thanks for sharing!
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Bodhirose
/ January 19, 2011So glad you enjoyed this Leif. It’s tough being a parent and even tougher being a kid. Thank God I remembered that when mine were young.
You’re welcome!
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kashzka
/ January 20, 2011Oh, to have such love, recall with such clarity, as tho I were right there. Absolutely wonderful, Gayle! Thank you!!!!
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Bodhirose
/ January 21, 2011Kashka! You came by to see me! Thanks for your visit and kind comment. So glad you enjoyed this.
We need to have another chat soon–whenever you get a chance.
You’re welcome…
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Kevin Lamb
/ January 26, 2011Very unique and interesting perspective to write from!
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Bodhirose
/ January 26, 2011Thank you, Kevin. I appreciate your visit and comment tonight.
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apollorose
/ January 27, 2011Great title. Great poem.
Children want to come into their own without their parents being a shadow.
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Bodhirose
/ January 28, 2011Thank you, Apollorose. I guess so, she sure did–and at such a young age too!
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Sherry Blue Sky
/ August 5, 2014I smiled all the way through…………….this is a clever write!
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Bodhirose
/ August 5, 2014Glad you enjoyed it, Sherry! This is an old posting but decided to put it up on Facebook today and let people have a chuckle. :~)
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