Mothers' Day Poem 2013

You have held me in your arms for so long,    I can feel

pastures in them

                        And blue-graying sheets,

sunlight,                  and strawberry ice cream.

Years of    long looks, and hundreds of clothes,     and birthday parties plus one.

                        I ride your back constantly, heavier and feistier, but

Beast of burden, you surrendered yourself,

asking for little in return.

And no one makes me feel as perfect as you do,

                                    When I can think of 100 reasons to hate myself.

After the long adolescent days, feeling 98% insufficient,

            I can remember:

                                                Someone thinks I'm perfect without reason,

Without justification,

                        Without any proof of it.

            Don't think I don't need you,      don't think I'm that strong.

                        I can pick myself up when I've fallen     mostly,

But I wouldn't be anything at all

                                    Without your devotion,

                                                            Your love,

            Unconditional.