Motherly

I'm just not motherly enough

because her socks don't match,

and sometimes she plays in pajamas

with her hair wild,

like her soul.

I'm not a mother enough

because we rush and

sometimes I lose patience

when we make it out the door,

with a moment to spare.

I'm not motherly enough

when I pull a frozen meal from the door,

and she still prefers the goldfish crackers

over an oven-baked perfection;

and the house is clutter and chaos.

I'm not your mother enough

because my schedule is overflowing

and I work to make the ends meet;

ends you left frayed for me to mend.

I'm not her mother enough

because she doesn't like shampoo,

or braids in her hair

because she'll pull the ties out in her seat.

I'm not your mother enough

because I read the safety standards

that say she should remain cramped

in the back seat

until she's taller; until she's stronger.

I'm not your mother enough;

I'm her's.

#mb