Like Mother Like Daughter

Why did I not want to grow up to be her? She who formed my world. She whose body housed me, and whose arms raised me. How could I know her a lifetime and still not know her? Mother, tell me, why am I afraid to submit? Why am I chasing a road so opposite from yours? Mother, tell me our history. Hold my hand and walk me down our line. The line that leads down a path of broken hearts and shattered homes. Diaries of “I’ll never be good enough” and tears shed only in dark rooms. Mother, tell me, what are they hiding? Are they happy? Is it an illusion? Mother hold my hand and use your other to open their mouths. Pull out the truth that’s lying between their teeth Help me understand why I should let the cycle end. Remove the screen and let their stories beam through the opaque, window. Mother, teach me why you chose your path so that I can follow. Mother is there a lock on my heart? Did I lose the key? At what age will it open and give itself away to one it loves with all its self? Give me your wisdom. Help me gain your strength. Help me be like the women in our line- resilient; but let me speak. Let me move my heart from my chest to my sleeve. Let the truths in every story be passed down so we remember and so we never forget. Mother, teach me forgiveness. Teach me to love with no conditions. Teach me to be like you. Mother. Why did I not want to grow up to be her?