Tiger Mom

A young mother, worried about her daughter
confides her fears, knowing a creative nature
could be squished under her tutelage
wanting to produce an independent progeny
one who is practical and responsible
yet this genetic strand infused in her offspring
is careless and a dreamer run by emotions
instead of logic, won’t be caged by traditions
laughter, music, make-believe and color
fill her daughter’s waking hours and the To Do List
is forgotten or cast aside.

As a mother she scolds or punishes this behavior
takes her responsibilities seriously
yet when she is sad or lonely it is this child
who comforts her and makes her laugh
never holds a grudge, like a butterfly on the wind
floats between heaven and earth
while she struggles to do what is right
guilty for loving her daughter just the way she is
and fighting the urge to make her into who 
she believes she must become.