Father,
I never had tantrums
When I was young –
It wasn’t safe.
So I never learned
To experience my anger safely,
Or to express it in any way.
Instead,
I automatically locked it away,
Deep in my unconscious mind.
Years later,
It emerged as free-floating anxiety,
Panic attacks,
Breakdowns,
And depression.
Lord,
I used to think
Tantrums were wholly negative,
But now I see
How positive they can be –
For having our anger wisely handled
By parents who are calm,
And firm,
And patient,
Is essential for good mental health
In later life.