I Do Not Want Our Mothers’ Strength

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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.