Ruth Walters - Expression

Back in the sixties we used to indulge
in letting our toddler play in the lounge.
When he did drawings over our walls
we gave him free reign, hey man it's all cool.

As he went on to pursue this art form
we both encouraged, we thought it top draw
After all, in due course it would all have to end
so we thought, as he went on enjoying this bent.

But when he was ten, he persisted to scrawl
over our armchairs, the tables and floors,
and on reaching sixteen, yes, all to our cost
he still persevered in his drawings - a lot.

Now he has grown, he lives on his own
and expresses himself in his own little home.
He paints and he writes on the ceilings and walls
he'll let the phone ring, he's not in to take calls.

He doesn't seem bothered of what people think
although when they visit they tut and they blink.
He's expressing himself and it makes him feel good,
he's not really bad, he's just misunderstood.

Ruth Walters

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/expression-33/