Analysis of Dear Mom

Dear Mom,
Thank you for not teaching me how to be mean,
Or that people different from me dont deserve to be seen.
Thank you for not teaching me that hate is OK,
Or that my actions have no impact, nor do the words that I say.
Thank you for not teaching me that the homeless are crazy,
Or that those who dont work are stupid, dumb, and lazy.
Thank you for not teaching me that color has its place,
Or that there is only one shade in the whole human race.
Thank you for not teaching me that it's gross to be heavy or thin,
Or that sick people are hopeless and the disabled cant win.
Thank you for not teaching me that it's always about me,
Or that only my way is best and first is the only place to be.
Thank you for not teaching me that I'll have a perfect life,
Or that nothing bad can happen and how to avoid strife.
Thank you for not teaching me to take the easy way out,
Or that I don't need to struggle, have insecurities, or doubt.
Most of all, thank you for not teaching me that love doesn't exist,
Or that compassion and patience are things to resist.
Because of what you didn't teach me, I grew up to be strong,
I accept when I fumble, make mistakes, and am wrong.
Now thanks to you, I'm the best I can be,
All because you cared enough not to teach me.

Karin Cook Collins