Take A Look At Me Now

by Mary Katherine Kohl
September 28, 2000

I look back on my life and I can plainly see
I brought a lot of misery on others and me.
I was very determined to have my own way
Disregarding everything my parents would say.
Then other relationships soon began crumbling
I blamed all of them and continued my grumbling.
I was very confused. I was a mixed-up child.
By the time I was teen age my temper ran wild.
My parents always fought, to get their own way
And our family was deteriorating day by day.
Then, mom got a divorce and dad had a big fit!
As he drank more booze he did nothing but sit.
I was living with dad but we soon had a fight
Then I spread my wings and this bird took flight!
I went to mom's and things started out smooth.
Then she and I tangled and I decided to move
Back to my dad's. I was hoping to find peace.
But soon I discovered the friction didn't cease.
When things got hairy and tempers came unwound
I went back to mom's for another big round.
Each time I had returned to my mother's place
She saw my clothes were a dire disgrace.
She'd take me shopping and buy me new clothes
But I felt she was trying to lead me by the nose.
I soon needed wheels, for I'd found a job, you see . . .
So, mom bought a new truck especially for me.
But still I wouldn't abide by mom's dumb rules
Yes, this world is sure filled, with stupid, dumb fools!
Then back to dad's but he wouldn't bent his thinking
And I was far to big for him to be spanking.
But while dad was drunk we got into a feud.
And our tempers were violent; our language was crude.
A neighbor called the law and I wound up in jail.
But grandma came to see me and she went my bail.
She took me in and she gave me good advice
Which I disregarded without thinking twice!
She said my behavior brought misery on myself.
But I wished she'd hang it up or put it on a shelf.
Dad's anger began to cool. . . to some degree
And he decided again to share his home with me.
At first I tried to control this temper of mine
But I had a bad habit of speaking my mind.
So I went back to mom's, but tempers did soar.
Soon I was told, "You can't live here any more!"
I stayed with different members of our family
But problems seemed eager to tag along with me!
I thought 'doing my own thing' was really quite cool.
So I deliberately disregarded every single rule.
Well! Take a look at me now, sitting here in jail.
I have no visitors and no chance of bail.
For I'm awaiting a trial . . . MURDER in the first degree.
Oh, Lord, please have mercy on a wretch like me!
If you can relate to this story of mine
Change your attitudes while there's still time!