MY MOTHER'S BURDEN
by Adriana Zepeda

"The burden of not wanting to move out again, leaving my sisters to fend for themselves against her."

We share so much
yet know so little
Born of Showers
And Flowers in May

Remember
When you used to braid my hair
When you used to dress me
In clouds of crinoline and gold
When my smile was all you needed
And yours meant the world

Let me go and show me the way
From a distance
Build me up
I wanna be my own somebody

You love and You hurt
But so do I
Lives forgotten and tattered
Bleeding
Of insecurities and regrets

Hesitating
On your own breath
Inhale
Exhale

Learn to breathe on your own
And so will I