Mama
My very first example of what a woman should be
I can never quantify all the lessons you taught me
You said
Sit up straight
Walk this way
Cross your legs
Be a lady
Educate yourself
Depend on no one else
Especially not a man!
Carry yourself with class
Always keep a stash
Never tell a man your entire past
It doesn’t matter
Be strong
Don’t do people wrong
No one wants a friend who’s shady
Give God all the glory
And never let your praying knees get lazy
You’d say
Don’t do as I do
Do as I say
You were always talking
While all of your words rang true
And I understand what you were trying to do
I was always watching
So, truthfully, Mama, you failed me
While watching you
I learned to be unreasonably self-less
Give others everything that I have
Even if it was my very last
This mentality jailed me
Imprisoned my self-worth
Made me feel worthless
Unless I was emptying myself at the feet of others
I watched you auction off pieces of yourself
Sold to the highest bitter, soul
Leaving you feeling less than whole
B-I-T-T-E-R
Yes, thats an intentional play on words
Of the things I observed
I watch you take less than what you deserved
Mama…. Why?
You deserved better.
I deserved better.
You failed us.