Damned, This Child
by Kathleen Brien

You raised three kids
morals so strong, they don’t need a Lord to justify them.
You raised three kids
who avoid being assholes
not because someone said to them
“Son, be kind to those below you,
to those less fortunate,
the sinners,
them wretched non-believers.”

You raised three kids
who screw up
and don’t think to be forgiven because
“God forgives them”-
your kids claim responsibility.
You raised these three kids
who can think to and for themselves
inside their shame, and outside of hymnals.

You raised three kids,
and all you can say is
“Christ, where did we go wrong?”