I could not wrap my head
Around my parents.
They were dying to
Get rid of an academically
Inclined kid who was
A good kid and was
Never in real trouble.
I just spoke my mind.
I was afraid to breathe
Too loudly when around them
And I was not granted
More freedom by
Gaining their trust
Like how it's
Supposed to work.
It was their way
Or the highway.
No negotiating. Nothing.
I got no praise or no rewards.
I surmised if I wanted
Something I would
Need to get it myself
When I was old enough.
As much as I loved
My Grand parents they
Were very pious
And rule driven.
I was not scared
Of them like I
Was with my parents.
I just knew I had
To be quiet and
Follow their ways and routine.
My Gran would speak
About dancing but I
Found it hard to picture
Her young and care free.
She did not smile much
In the days we knew her.
My Grand father was
A pilots made and
Rode a motorbike.
He seemed a free spirit
Back in his youth.
My Gran said he
Was good as a salesman
Because he could
Spin a yarn. I can see
That being very true.