Am I the cancer
eating you from the inside out?
Am I your frustration
that manifests as gout?
Am I the cause for when you shout
or the reason for why you pout?
Do you have no control over your
thoughts or your tongue?
Do you know how much poison
into the air you have flung?
I am not the one to blame for your actions.
I am not your frustration.
I am not the cancer.
I am the part of you that you call daughter.

I am the baby you knew of the moment of conception.
I am the infant that giggled and smiled at you unconditionally.
I am the little girl that sought you for protection.
I am the young lady that needed lessons to learn.
I am the woman inspired by the woman that raised you.
I am the adult that was influenced by your good and bad examples.
I am the part of you that you call daughter.