Overprotective

Summary

The poem "Overprotective" reflects on the emotional and physical barriers one erects for protection, considering its impact on relationships and personal growth, particularly in the context of parenting.

Abstract

In the poem "Overprotective," the narrator grapples with the daily ritual of donning metaphorical armor to shield against a crumbling world. This protective stance, however, is recognized as a double-edged sword, simultaneously keeping others at bay and revealing an underlying fear. The narrator's children, unlike their parent, do not seek the same overprotective safeguards, presenting a dilemma between safeguarding and stifling. Drawing a parallel with the narrator's father, the poem explores the tension between the desire to protect and the need to trust, especially in a world fraught with uncertainty. The narrative concludes with a contemplation on the need to relinquish overprotectiveness to allow for independence and self-assurance in the children raised to be resilient.

Opinions

The author conveys a personal struggle with the instinct to be overprotective, both for oneself and one's children.
There is an acknowledgment that overprotection can stem from fear and may inadvertently communicate a lack of trust to loved ones.
The poem suggests that while protection is important, there is a fine line between safeguarding and hindering growth and independence.
The narrator reflects on the influence of their father's example, recognizing the value of his advice, albeit received too late to benefit from his wisdom directly.
There is a sense of uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of protective measures in a world that seems increasingly volatile and unpredictable.
The author questions the long-term utility of armor in a societal and political climate described as a "house afire" and a "house of cards," suggesting that such protection may ultimately be futile.

A Poem

Each morning, I go into my closet At least, I used to, but now I just leave my armor on my dresser because I wear it every day to protect myself from the world crumbling all around me A forcefield to stay safe, but what I’ve come to realize is that this armor is also a repellant because it’s clear I won’t let anyone in and that this body mask represents fear

And it doesn’t only apply to me and this is a problem in my life because my kids don’t want the same form of overprotective protection that I like to wear myself so I am left in a quandary of allowing birds to fly or clipping wings that don’t deserve to be clipped

Overprotective like my father before me, the greatest man who lived, who I rarely listened to as a youth, or a young adult, or as an adult, but I heard you Dad and I want you to know I listened later, much later, after you were gone but I am still listening and I often wonder if you would want me to be cloaked in this armor I wear, protecting myself, my heart, from the devastation of the unnatural world

Maybe I need to stop being overprotective of children that I raised myself to be smart and curious and wonderful people because if I am always like this how will they think I trust them? How will they know I did well as a parent, a person, a friend, a mentor? Safety and protection are different and sometimes I can’t tell the difference between these blurred lines in this pandemic society and political house afire and this house of cards that seems like it’s about to fall, to blow away and if it does, what good will this armor do me?

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