Don’t get all A’s
is one thing my mom has told me.
This means – live, have fun,
and don’t forget, self-care is most important
because you can’t live without yourself.

My mom has told me
that we’ll go dig holes in Mexico
if there are too many holes in my heart
to keep living the way I am now.

My mom has shown me that self comes first,
When she asks to be left alone after work
with Netflix, scrabble, or a book.
Even after I come in wanting to talk
or looking for help.
When she says on the phone,
“I’m going on a date now,
Lets talk another time”
after I tell her that I got C’s for all my grades today.

When my mom puts herself first,
She’s showing me that I’m allowed to
put myself first too
Even if it upsets others,
Or doesn’t satisfy others needs
I have the right to choose what’s right for me
Even though I may love and support you
It’s my job to choose for me
Not to please you.

My mom has told me
I don’t owe anyone a conversation.
I don’t owe anyone an explanation.

I don’t even owe myself an explanation.

“Don’t disregard yourself.
Your emotions are valid regardless.
They are valid simply for the fact that you feel them”
she says.

My mom has told me
that if I ever feel the need to explore drugs,
I sure as hell better stick to pot
Or else she’ll never get the chance to kill me

My mom has told me to just swear
as I frick and fudge and shiitake mushroom
my way through stress, pain, and each existential crises
“Just swear,” she said. Don’t hold it in.
The earth is strong
Let it help support you.

My mom is strong like the earth.
Words do not shake her.
She is sturdy and rooted,
And doesn’t need nobody to thrive.
This badass will flourish,
She rules her life
Sayonara to those who try and build walls,
you can’t cut through this forest.
She is as strong as a mountain
and unafraid to leave you –
cut those ties
She doesn’t ever owe you an explanation.

I am not quite the self-sustaining continent
my mom is,
but slowly I’m learning how to water my own roots
and bloom despite the pavement.
Right now, my mom is my superhero;
but someday,
I’ll be my own.