Spare the Rod

the only time

i smacked my son, was when he was about
to

put a flat head screw driver into
the slot

of an electrical outlet.

i ran over and with an open hand
struck him
on the bottom,

which was protected

by a nine pound plastic diaper
ready for changing.

it nearly sprained my wrist.

but he got the idea.

crying, he looked at me bewildered
how i could
steal the joy

from him of what he was about
to do.

i often feel that way, when God
smacks me or removes

me from a situation
that would in the end kill me.

how could you?