Mama

Chin up, lady. They’re watching every move.

Put your armor on girl, don’t let them watch you fall.

You can be a mess at night; after you tuck them in.

But here and now, take a breath, and paste your smile on.

Remember hun, you’ve done this all before.

You know how to hold your own- just do it all again.

I know you’re exhausted; your mind is all a mess.

Suck it up babydoll, you might as well get used to this.

The moment you fall apart, they’ll see you; they’ll know.

They’ll know you don’t have this, not at all.

Baby, you’ve got to hold your breath, deeeeep breath.

Dry your eyes and fix your crown.

“Remember Mrs. So-and-So…” remember, you’re mama.

You have to be concrete and loving. You have to be that rock.

You don’t have time to break down; no not yet.

Not with them watching. After all, your name isn’t daddy.