I’m feeling tired and depressed,
I do not know which way to turn.
Although I think I’ve tried my best,
I guess they just don’t want to learn.

I’ve tried to come down hard on them,
I have tried just to be a friend.
I encourage and don’t condemn,
But I have come to my wits end.

I can’t believe that as I write,
I even have tears in my eyes.
I try to smile and look bright,
I pray for patience with these guys.

I know they say that they hate me,
This hurts me more than they will know.
I wonder how worse it would be,
If I should let this hurting show.

At least I know my friends are there,
They’ll always listen to my talk,
And they will show me that they care,
And they will help me with this walk.

By Lloyd McLean (1993)

This poem is part of the Seasons of Emotion collection