dear mom:
i’ve spent the past couple days trying to figure out all the ways to say how, yeah, sometimes we drive each other crazy but oh how necessary you are for me.
you raised me.
you taught me to paint the big picture while paying attention to the little things
and maybe it’s not so strange.

dear mom:
i’m still a little bit afraid of monsters but the dark
isn’t so scary when i’m staring at the stars
that spin on your bedroom ceiling with you pressed against my arm.
your breathing
is so steady and relieving
from the creatures creeping
through shadows in my own room.

dear mom:
there’s a reason we celebrate mother’s day

dear mom:
i wanted to get you something better than a poem but then i thought maybe a piece of the soul that you helped put together would override flowers
so i hope this is okay.
i wanted to draw you something but i’m better with computer keys than a pencil
and i don’t think i’d ever be satisfied with it anyway

dear mom:
i love you

dear mom:
i need you

dear mom:
thank you for everything that i couldn’t find the words to say

sincerely,
yours truly,
forever, and with love,
a daughter who will always need a mama like you