To My Beautiful Mama

You gave me life and love when I could
Barely breathe or move on with my life.
In a world with hate you always stood
There with the weight, but still in strife

You never complained once about pain
Or hardship. You stand strong and firm
Like the earth’s dirt. In all the wind, rain,
Storms and chaos you are there to affirm

What I knew all along, that I am one of
The lucky ones. I have always wanted to
Follow in your footsteps, but like a dove
I must fly my way by following the blue

Sky to wherever I can find my happiness
And make it on my own. You taught me
Someone could come from scrappiness
Or somewhere terrible, but we can all be

Somewhere whole or beautiful. The place
And destination is far from perfect, but
The only thing that matters is that I trace
Your love with my fingertips, not shutting

It out even if I tried really hard. I am no
Longer a little kid fitting perfectly within
Your soft arms, but still you let me grow
And become me – comfortable in my skin,

Silly, beautiful beyond measure, bright,
And kindhearted despite what the world
Keeps throwing at me. You gave me light
At the end of the tunnel. Behind your curled

Smile, I see perfection despite the wrinkles
Or gray hair. I see your strength regardless
Of the mountains you climbed. The twinkles
In your eyes stay. Your love is far from starless.