Here are all the things I never said
but should start,

That you’ve always been
the constant figure in my life
at every cheer competition
and book club meeting

That when my life has shaken
and cracked
and
split at its seams
you’ve always been there
to pick me up and
mend me back together

That you remind me of
shoulders I’ve cried on
          and apologies I never gave

But would you believe me
if I said you are the single most important person
who shaped who I am today
and that i’ve been trying for years
to pick the words from my throat
in attempts to explain to you
all the ways I appreciate
you.

Because if anyone ever asks
who I need the most
my reply will always be my mom

And I need you to know
that I love you
in the simplest of ways