Dear Mother

One thing I need you to know is what you’ve done. It’s how your words have stung. The bitter songs your lips have sung. The mirror you held up to me Showed everything that you could never be.

Be better, you told the reflection. This isn’t good enough. You don’t deserve my affection. Be more resilient. You have to be tough. No less than brilliant.

Oh, you think you have it rough? Don’t complain, no do not feel. Your emotions aren’t real. Bow down, bend over, kneel!

Oh blood of mine, Oh sweet sweet child, Don’t be so wild, Don’t cross the line. I love you so But please don’t go and be yourself. Just never show That you need help.

Don’t eat so much, but please gain weight. No one will ever ask you on a date. If you don’t motherfucking break.

Are you sure you want to eat that cake? If I were you, I wouldn’t. I never told you that you shouldn’t!

Don’t you ever dare be late. Don’t assume that they will wait. Don’t you ever think they care. No, you don’t mean a thing. Don’t assume that they’ll be there.

You’re nothing more than just a fling. But please try to be. ‘Cause child, you see, you’re nothing without a man.

So you go get a tan. Go wear a dress. Fix your face. Your hair’s a mess. Please walk with grace. Look your best, show off your chest. Cook and clean and don’t be mean.

Don’t say a word. You won’t be heard. Your body’s all you are, So smile But know you’ll never get far. Oh you’re bound to fail. Why are you so goddamn frail?

Is that really all that you can be?

But most importantly…

Why are you so much like me?