Reflections on the lessons of my father

You weren't the best father
But that's okay
Because without your mistakes
I wouldn't be the person I am today
Drugs, money, alcohol
Played a big part in your world
Soon they came into mine
Making my small soul curl
I know I've seen a lot
More than most my age
I don't know what to think about that

I'm only just over the denial stage
So yes my father was sent to prison
So yes he's in for long
But I've learnt to carry on
I've learnt to just stay strong
I now know not to judge by what you see
Because inside that person
Can be as different
As you or me
I've learnt to put the past behind
Learn from his mistakes
I'm a better person now
For that I have better mates
Children normally mirror their parents
So be careful what you do
Because one day when you're old enough
Your children could be mirroring you

Ashlee-Ann Sneller, Year 12, Kaitaia College