This is what can happen to a disobident child who thinks they know it all and has everything under control. The outcome is never a good one

CRIES IN THE NIGHT

Why didn't they listen,
Why couldn't they see,
The pain they caused deep inside of me,
Why didn't they stop and think it our first,
Instead they reacted, the problems got worse,
Why couldn't they reason, instead they just do,
What their minds tell them they are big enough too,
Why didn't they listen,
Why couldn't they see,
The pain they caused deep inside of me,
What made them think they could do as they pleased,
Not going to school and hanging out with ease,
What made them think they could come and just go,
Staying out all hours, not letting me know,
Why do they think they won't pay for there wrongs,
Because they keep getting by, it won't last long,
Why in the street they think you won't see,
The lies that they tell, hidden motel keys,
Up all hours of the night,
Sleep all day,
Not looking for work, but at night they play,
Forbidden language, it hurts me to hear,
Once a month so gentle,
Now cutting words of fear,
Always talking about what they want to do,
When someone looks at them, or a smile or two,
No dreams, or visions, can't see past the day,
No good is coming, got to do this my way,
The young so disrespectful,
Will curse you to your face,
And they play it at such a fast pace,
Where have all the flowers gone,
That song so gentle on my mind,
Where have all the children gone,
Jails are full, now that is a sign,
A generation now is lost,
Who is to blame?
Who will pay the cost?
Wake up my people, a wave is coming through,
If you know how to pray, then I suggest that we do.

Written by Ruth Sadi El (fomerly Wanda M. R. Garrett)

Copyright Dec. 4, 2000 This poem is in an upcoming poetry collection: Poetic Expressions From The Soul soon to be published in 2007