A Parent's Lessons

This is just a short disclaimer due to possible grammatical errors I did not catch. I apologize, I am typing and editing from my phone. 

A mother first holding her daughter
has only the best of intentions,
and wishes for what this
beautiful little girl may do.

Yet as that little girl grows,
watching Mommy
with wide eyes,
she begins to learn.

At age five,
she learns from Mommy
to look twice
before crossing the street.

Don't talk to strangers,
and color inside the lines.
At age five.
She learns from mommy how to be safe. 

At age ten,
she learns that Mommy
holds a lighter,
and breathes smoke.

The choking scent
and lack of oxygen.
At age ten.
She learns that Mommy is a dragon.

At age thirteen,
she learns from Mom
how to tell a lie
as she hides the bank notes.

Low numbers
and casino receipts.
At age thirteen.
She learns from Mom that lies are okay.

At age sixteen,
from watching Mom she learns
how to pour a shot
and numb the pain.

The burning sensation,
and dizzy feeling.
At age sixteen.
From watching Mom she learns how to mask it all.

At age seventeen,
she learns from Mom
that it's okay
to betray the ones you love.

To end a marriage
after cheating.
At age seventeen.
She learns from Mom that faithfulness is meaningless.

Now you stand back
Dear Mother
ask yourself,
Are these the lessons you meant to teach?

Yet a Father,
watching his daughter grow
has taught her as well.
What did she learn from him?

At age five,
she learned from Daddy
to stay close,
and not wander away.

Keep hold of my hand,
and be careful.
At age five.
She learned from Daddy that he'll keep her safe.

At age ten,
she learned that Daddy works,
keeping long hours
to make ends meet.

Coming home tired,
and still finding time to play.
At age ten.
She learned that Daddy always has time for her.

At age thirteen,
she learned from Dad
that Mom's secrets
aren't secret.

Telling lies for her,
won't help.
At age thirteen.
She learned that she could tell Dad the truth.

At age sixteen,
she learned from Dad
as he discovered the empty bottles,
and smelled her breath.

Pulling her close,
and telling her it's not a solution.
At age sixteen.
She learned from Dad that you have to be strong.

At age seventeen,
she learned from dad
that sometimes,
things have to end.

The fights have to stop,
and papers need to be signed.
At age seventeen.
She learned from Dad that sometimes things happen for the better.

All these things
and so much more,
she learned from her Father
as she grew.

Maybe the good lessons
will outweigh the bad,
and maybe parents
will think before they teach.