Ungrateful Child

Ungrateful Child

By: Joy Ortiz

I am a child

Filled with every kind of

Selfishness,

Pining after

What I think I deserve. 

I'm throwing tantrums for 

All the presents

I demanded

And didn't receive;

Kicking and screaming; and 

Refusing to eat

The healthy plateful before me

Because I wanted

Pizza instead of casserole. 

When I got slapped

Accidentally

On the playground,

I held a grudge

And wouldn't play with

That black-haired kid

Anymore

Even though

He was my best friend

Five minutes ago. 

How much

Kid stuff

Is the kid's fault?

How much

Is just growing pains?

Must I

Wail and flail

To grow?

How long

Will I cry 

Over gifts ungiven

While ignoring

The heaps of toys

Covering my own

Bedroom floor?

How many times

Will I glare

And stamp my feet,

Folding my arms across my chest,

Disdaining

My Father?

Can I grow up faster?

I am tired of being 

An ungrateful child.