Is it care,
or is it
control?
I often
wonder,
which way
you roll.

As i greeted
everyone,
when i first
walked in.
You didn’t
say “Hello”
to me.
You just said…
“Don’t post
your photos
to your
Facebook page.”
But no reason,
you did give.

So already,
you were
starting with…
What i was allowed,
to do and say!

Before we even
sat down at
the table.
You even said,
where we were placed.

At the table
you referred
to mum.
As My Mum
and not Ours.
Was that something,
you meant to say.

Then a few
hours later,
at the table
you suddenly,
explained…

That you’d
skipped school,
for the Family day.
You even
joked about,
a lie you gave.

Although,
those little
hints were
noted.
Just like
theyv’e been
before.
Your little
moments
of control,
were everywhere.

Then suddenly
your paranoia,
became apparent.
For us to see,
once more.

When you asked
me for,
the photos that
i’d taken.
Just to
help me
to recall.
You had taken
photos to.
That i know,
for sure.

Then, when on
ordering my
food.
The meal
i choose to eat.
You implied,
i couldn’t
have it.
Was it your
confirmation,
i should seek!

Then when
my meal,
came to
the table.
You said to me…
“ You going to share?”
I replied with … “ No, i’m not.
I’ve ordered from
the set menu.
“Everyone else,
has ordered theirs.”

You looked
and sounded,
quite put out.
Even though
your own meal,
you had received.

Those little
moments
of control
came through,
from you,
again for me.

Infact
i think
that a few others,
may have noted
your little
moments too.

Then at the end
before we left.
You made sure,
you said to me.
“I’ll send you
my account details,
so you can pay
for what you’ve
both had.
Anytime,
you have it
please.”

Inside my head,
i had to laugh.
Because,
you’d paid for
all the rest.

But my son and i,
who we’re going
to pay our own
bill anyway.
Didn’t need
your verbal
thoughts,
expressed.

I politely,
said “Goodbye, to you”
because that’s how,
i’m raised.
But seriously,
just get a grip.
Please,
just learn
a whole
new way.

(17/05/24)











































© Josephine Daniels.