I woke at 3 a.m., And I was scared. I thought I’d never be tired agai… But then I remembered the morning And all the joy it brings.

Courage was not letting your broth… But preferring to die From their snide remarks Which shadow prejudice’s unkind da… What happened when they grew up?

She fell like rain, Like a bird, Like a comet chasing light, Like a star dropping from the nigh… Like a stone in water,

You don’t ask me to speak. You never expect my opinion. I was your second child In a runaway marriage. I suppose I loved you once,

What if your face was a poem alone… I bet People would read it and cry, And some would feel inflated afte… Because they witnessed something

Moon up, Pants down. I said no. His body said yes.

You ruined me. How could you? You’re my mother. You were supposed to be strong. Not me.

Am I incurable? It seems so. I’m an incorrigible invalid Of the heart.

In seventh grade, I made you a po… But I tore it up into pieces Because it wasn’t good enough. In eighth grade, I made you a poe… But I left it under my bed

Sam said, “Get over it.” As if I could Just climb a tree. Sam said,

That’s why she died– Because she never let anyone hold… She didn’t trust herself. She didn’t let anyone love her Or touch her

Listening to you sleep, I’m in grace. Each breath a prayer. Every rustle a litany. You don’t know how loud you are

I can’t cease to think about him. His bitter way only warms my heart… He frightens me and excites me. He always heightens my senses. He makes my heart hurt.