I make no promises --poem

I am only one person.  Many things grapple for my attention.

I cannot do it all. Sometimes the beds will not be made. There will be teeth that go unbrushed, homework that is not done, appointments missed.

I make mistakes. I make them often. Every day.

I am forgetful, though I’m not unthoughtful. I agree to things, I cannot possibly accomplish. I want to remember. I want to accomplish everything. I just can’t.

I try hard. Nothing is ever as good as I would like it to be. Nothing is ever perfected—not motherhood, not my household chores, not my work, not my friendships or my relationships. Nothing. There is always room for improvement. Everywhere. Everything.

I will disappoint.  I will not live up to your ideals, whatever they may be. I will falter and I will not measure up. Ever.

I will keep going. One foot in front of the other. Forward.

I have to. I am a mother, a wife, a sister, a daughter, a friend.

Forgive me. Love me despite my faults.

I will do better.

Though I make no promises.

--Alynn C. Ford