An Apology Letter to My Children

I'm sorry for the groceries that you had to get with me
I'm sorry that you hate it and that it's misery.

I'm sorry for the friends you have, the ones you haven't met.
I'm sorry for the shoes too small, the pants that really don't fit.

I'm sorry for the food you ate, did it make you fat or gaunt?
I'm sorry I made this meal, it's not from a restaurant.

I'm sorry that your room is clean.  I'm sorry that it's neat.
I'm sorry you can't play with friends out on the busy street.

I'm sorry I made the homemade bread, I'm sorry for that batch.
I'm sorry for the store-bought bread, you prefer it scratch.

I'm sorry I don't have a job.  I'm sorry I stay home.
I'm sorry that I'm here for you so you're never, ever alone.

I'm sorry I'm your mother.  I'm sorry it's a bore.
I'm sorry for the money you get when you do a chore.

I'm sorry for the rules, and the consistent punishments.
I'm sorry for the quiet times, and the banishment.

I'm sorry you don't like to play sports, but sometimes that you do.
I'm sorry for giving you the chance to try it so you knew.

I'm sorry for being so rigid, and make you feel secure.
I'm sorry for always checking your emotional temperature.

I'm sorry when I'm here, and I'm sorry when I'm not.
I'm sorry another mother would be more fun for you, a lot.

I'm sorry that I worry, I'm sorry I clean floors.
I'm sorry that I double check to lock tight all the doors.

I'm sorry for the laundry that is always done and clean.
I'm sorry if I'm angry.  I'm sorry that I'm mean. 

I'm sorry that I'm tired and I never seem to have fun.
I'm sorry that I feel my fun times have all been done.

I'm sorry that I look upon most things as just more work for me.
I'm sorry that I sit things out.  I wish things were fun, truly.

I'm sorry I'm at the bottom of this totem pole of life.
I'm sorry I'm not a better, more contributing wife.

I'm sorry for the money I spend, and that it's not really mine.
I'm sorry for the way I text and waste your precious time.

I'm sorry for my troubles.  I know they're small to you.
I'm sorry for your troubles, is there anything I can do?

I'm sorry this house is quiet.  I'm sorry we don't have friends.
I'm sorry but I'm tired.  Can't we just all stay in?

I'm sorry but I'm trying.  I hope that you can see.
I'm sorry but I love you.  It's all I have in me.