Army of One

I am a single parent. I am an Army of One.

I fight against the onslaught of peer pressure
that wants trendy but impractical clothes
that wears flip flops in December
that thinks midnight movies on a school night is a good idea

I fight against the onslaught of teenage emotions
Unnecessary yet consuming drama
Poor manners
Disrespect and rudeness towards others

I fight against the onslaught of advertisement
that encourages purchases made on a whim
that makes you feel inadequate if you don't have it and superior if you do
that tricks you into believing you never have enough

I fight against the onslaught of technology
cellphones for young children
gaming systems of every size and shape imaginable.
televisions instead of books and sore thumbs instead of sharp minds

I fight against the onslaught of bad taste
food served through a window
music that hurts your ears and troubles your soul
movies without a plot

I am a single parent. I am an Army of One.

I get up and fight every single day
because I refuse to concede these battles.
My child is worth fighting for.

I get up and fight every single day
because there is no tag team. There is no hand off,
and my role must be "bad cop" every single time.

I get up and fight every day
because although I am not intent on winning every battle,
I am determined to face them and fight them with consistency.
How and when they end will be my decision
and only on my terms.

I am a single parent. I am an Army of One.

Although it seems my constant refrain is "No"
I hope that someday she'll understand.
And as indescribably difficult and exhausting these battles may be
I know my child is worth it.
And that more than anything else gives me the strength to fight another day.

I am a single parent. I am an Army of One.