The Burden Of Family (Poetry)

At last the child becomes a man
cuts loose his mother’s apron strings
attempts all that he thinks he can
and tests the air on eager wings

Such freedom’s giddy for a while
the world’s his oyster pearled with hope
then life’s cruel disappointments pile
and love lassoes with duty’s rope

Back to the nest with rôles reversed
the parent needs his selfless care
the only son now doubly cursed
Fate’s dice were loaded — game unfair

Blood-tied in his domestic hell
and keeping house the best he can
believing time will break the spell
till then he’ll bide — a burdened man