Elegy For the Sperm Donor

you said I could not cook it was an accusation a condemnation a comparison with your mother and other women of whom you approved. I did not meet the standard I was not womanly I failed all forms set by you, your family, the island never having been taught, I never learned. My fear was huge. You were contemptuous. I was less than less. a nothing naught that nevertheless had to provide had to make each day a life I thought I would be given. which was wrong but I could never stop long enough could never be still enough could never breathe in and then out understanding at last my life was my own and never yours and so was mine to make or mar. My heart hurt worse when our dog died. And I wrote a better poem about it. 12/31/2013