apology

[heslopian]

I really like this poem. I like how the father wasn't portrayed as a stereotypical abuser, but someone who's used physical discipline and obviously cares for his child. The waters you explore here are deep and troubling. The poem nicely illustrates the issue of spanking and if it's a necessary or useful punishment. I personally think it's a weak and damaging way to discipline a child, creating the kind of emotional distance you convey so well here, but the great thing about this poem is that it isn't biased towards my or anyone else's opinion. The child feels hurt by the father, but the father loves the child deeply. Thanks for the read, and I look forward to reading more of your work.