Appreciate

I asked my mama,

Why must we go?

She held my small hand and gave it a meek squeeze.

"For however long the nights are still cold, and our empty stomachs continue falling asleep, we won't exist anymore.

Because I love you, we must go."

I asked my mama,

"Why can't I get new shoes, and a pretty pink ribbon to tie my hair?"

Mama said, "its not the same life anymore.

We crossed and it takes me twice as long to get the work done alone. 

You'll be fine. Just please, leave it alone."

And now, I couldn't. I was worse off on my own.

Mama. Please don't go.

Because I love you, mama stay with me an hour more.

On the thin mattress with her eyes closed, she took another deep breath and said

"Because I love you, stay strong and never forget I am always close."

She handed me a pink ribbon,

and in a heartbeat, her eyes ceased to see another daylight more.

I was sixteen, and it was then that I realized

all the I love you's really meant..

This is a struggle.

But because I love you, 

I am going to continue, and show you that

your sacrifice paid for a lot more. 

Because I love you, 

I am going to show the world what you have prepared me for.

And Because I love you,

I am going to prove they haven't heard the last of you yet,

through me of course. Your living spirit of a warrior.

Because this is a struggle, I now know someone's love is something to be appreciated a lot more.