We first relax
and then begin
to take our tentacles out
of your father’s life

We called them love
but they were something else.
We felt our love required them
but (on further thought)
our meddling does not improve his life

We take out the tentacles
so he can die if he wants,
and if what he wants to do
is ride the currents
of his own volition
wherever they may take him, well

This is what we also had to do
to free our children. So now
you’re treating him like an adult,
my daughter said. Letting him decide
what he wants to do

Oh yes. To learn again:
Love is not exerting
what we think is best for them —
love holds on
while also letting go.

©Wendy Mulhern
June 12, 2017