Mom

the date is quickly arriving

where i will walk down the platform called by name

illuminated brighter by the pride of accomplishment

than by the spotlights

Draped in velvet mantles and embellished caps

Receiving a sacred scroll adorned with gold

Stating that i made it, my four-year race is complete and i crossed the finish line

And i’ll know i would never be here

If it werent for the love and guidance of you

my mother

I opened my eyes wailing

As i begun this thing called life

You held me and called me by my name, the new name given to me

You called me yours

Little i knew how much you would care for me

How much you would sacrifice for me

how much i could never repay you,

my mother

Nights you went sleepless

Staying up caring for a tender child

Staying up washing my clothes

Working night shifts to provide for me

when dad was sent to serve across the seas

Setting last night’s dinner aside

For my lunch box tomorrow

All seventeen-and-a-half years of my life

My gratitude could never be expressed through words

A poem a fraction of what you deserve,

My mother

Whenever I feel unsafe or unsure

When loud concussions and bright bursts of light

stirred me awake deep in the night

Or when monsters followed me into the fissures of my dreams

I knew I could flee to your safe embrace

The warmth fighting off the demons and terror

Even now when demons take a new form and still haunt me

Your comfort and knowledge will always come through

As a reminder you’re always here for me,

My mother

The day is quickly arriving

Where my arms will transform into wings

And I’ll take flight

Through the fields and valleys of new independence

But I’ll never stray too far

For I know I’ll return to my home nest

I’ll return to that familiar warm comfort

I don’t want to go

But I know you will always be with me

Thank you

Mom