Somehow the days encumber me
as I stare in wonder at being free
yet, what is to become of me?

Habits formed throughout the years
bring joy and hope, often tears
I'll yearn yet wonder why

My parents taught me carefully
be nice to others thoughtfully
and never answer back!

I took their advice internally
often being wounded externally
while still being nice to others

Enemies and frenemies became
my everyday existence and still
I adhere to my parent's advice

They would trash and dispose of me
not my friends nor ally be
their words still sting in my ears

Reminiscing over turbulent times
events demoralized into crimes
my parents' advice was wrong...
"ignore them, they'll go away." 

To stand my ground and defend my ego,
protect me through life's turbulent flow,
fight or flight wasn't the way to go.