Foster Parents of the Year
An accolade you’ve earned
What they have been blinded by
Is the chaotic life we’ve churned
With so many kids at home
It’s easy to be ignored
I’m thriving in the darkness
Forget me, I’m not bored
Meanwhile, I witness craziness
Of a life that’s full of stress
Whining, screaming, wailing
Restraints, a necessary mess
Too much trust is placed in us
The children who cause no strife
We are left to our vices
Without vocabulary to describe
When situations are a hazard
When our well-being is at stake
Feeling no one will listen
With more important issues on the plate
If I told you what had happened
Would you have listened to my words
Would you notice how my body language
Seemed frazzled, tense, unsure?
Confidence, non-existent
Rather than cause a scene
I’ll hide this dirty secret
That made me feel insane
The walls begin to crumble
Social workers clear the scene
And then a whole month later
Ask if we’d like to start a new routine
By this time, Dad’s moved on
To endeavors ringing in his ears
There’s other sources of income
He’s tested it, three cheers
Meanwhile, I am drowning
Afraid to make a peep
As Dad blows up his makeshift raft
And signals for us to see
That the future isn’t gloomy
There’s more light straight ahead
We need to keep on swimming
Trust him, there’s nothing to dread
Sarah Lopez 