When the umbilical became a discord
I opened my eyes to this world
Everything was about me
Everyone was around me.
Mother, do you think the world is better than your womb?

That indelible age in school
Faded into solitude
Hurtful words were spoken with laughter
Bullying was a sign of power
Mother, do you think I can erase those scars?

Love, i was told, is finding a soulmate
Sensing what i need, without having to ask
Pure acceptance of all my flaws
And of all my secrets
Mother, do you think one other person is everything in my life?

Success was defined seeing myself ahead of my peers
Putting on a mask of acceptance
Concealing my true self
I raced for appreciation, money and titles.
Mother, do you think there is a finish line in this race?

I wanted to be a writer, they said there were too many…