I Want You to Know… An Ode to My Children

I want you to know that I love you so,
So much that I give you whatever I can.
The big and the small, what I have take all,
But know that my “No” means no

I'll walk through that forest that stands before us,
I’ll kill the big bug in the tub.
I’ll take you to Sweden and the Land of Eden,
But know that my "No" means no.

I'll take you to church despite looks for our quirks.
We'll wrangle the store while onlookers abhor.
But what I will not do, little loves, listen true,
Is not teach you the power of "No".

With my "No" I will teach you the meaning of Truth.
With my “No” I will teach you, though sometimes uncouth.
That some things are certain, indelibly gold, 
A rock upon which your life may be bold. 

With my "No" I will teach you to harness your Will.
With my "No" I will teach you how to stand still.
With my "No" I will give you the backbone you need, 
So your Yes can mean more in word and in deed. 

Little dears, listen well, I bend to your pleas.
It's not that I'm weak, but it comes easily.
To flex and to bend is a workout I'll take,
But know that hard stop when you feel it quake.

My dears I’ll say yes whenever I can 
Give you freedom to run, explore, plan
My boundaries are set, play freely within
Not so you can't leave but so harm can't get in.