I Do Not Want Our Mothers’ Strength
Published in
Mar 30, 2021
i do not
want
the strength
of our mothers
of the women
who bore it all.
so gracefully
did they carry
our burdens
on their backs.
so beautifully
did they store
everyone’s tears
inside of their hearts
while
abandoning
themselves.
i do not wish
to be as strong
as they were,
as they are.
give me rest,
give me grace,
give me peace.
give
me
choice.
this path is uncharted —
foreign, even.
but i cannot.
i will not
tread
their weathered paths
leading
to self-sacrifice.
i want to live.