severed tree

mother, don't worry,

i'll take dad's clothes back down to the basement .

mother, forget me,

i did not inherit your ocean irises

or your peaceful mind .

mother, absolve me,

my hands would not tremble to finish your letters .

mother, i'm sorry,

my skin won't swallow the scars that fade slower than my sagacity .

mother, i hope it's alright,

if i'd rather sleep in my car tonight .

mother, i'm sorry,

you can save me from drowning

but you cannot make me breathe .

& mother,

forgive me,

because your words are only the stitches:

                                                            & writing is the medicine .