Advisory (Poetry)

I didn’t take old Phil’s advice
I had a kid and raised it nice
at least, that’s what I tried to do
in single-parent solitude

I spared the rod and spoiled the child
and judged her nature sweet and mild
she took my love and all I earned
until the traitor in her turned —

revealed the truth without a thought
for all the misery she brought
she’s gone forever — lost to sight
so Larkin’s bitter words proved right