FOREWORD: A villanelle in iambic pentameteron the negligence of parents. They make sure to always miss the best moments of their children's lives. (Don't they.)

IGNORED AS A CHILD

Do you remember the first time I smiled
at the sound of your voice, praising my skill,
when I was ignored, ignored as a child?

Did I resemble the word rhymed with ‘wild’
or more the enigma, asking you still,
Do you remember the first time I smiled?

Do you recognise the faults I’ve reviled
ever since, or the tears that shriek and spill,
when I was ignored, ignored as a child?

Did I relieve the years of worry piled
deep in those eyes, wounded by a dull drill?
Do you remember the first time I smiled?

Have you considered the love that instilled?
Imagine a slow anguish, if you will,
when I was ignored, ignored as a child...

and though you may weep, the end is fulfilled;
only one wonders and grieves at the chill.

Do you remember the first time I smiled,
when I was ignored, ignored as a child?