(46) Bitter

After you answer a phone to a crying voice
& realize you're hearing a breaking heart...
you start hearing the echo
in your own words
in your own broken soul
I don't want to feel bitter
this was supposed to be something we could work through
you listen & you realize...
this is your heart too
You don't want this broken bitterness
& your heart stuck in a self-destructive repeat
but the pain is still real
these wounds aren't just skin deep

so you comfort the tired voice
at the other end of the line
you pray for their mending heart
you wish them the better ending
the one you never got
because your stories follow these
parallel story lines
& you almost forgot
that a story like this can still have a happy ending

Their's will end better
Their heart is still beating right
& you actually believe it
when you hear yourself saying
it will all be alright

It will all be alright
It will all be alright

(41) Mom

Nothing quite so good

as hearing your voice

at the other end of the line

when I've been worrying

about you

You keep me inspired,

going, hoping

you're my voice of reason

& the soother of my storms

I can't lose that,

can't lose you

Please be healing

& I'll be moving on,

growing up,

& making you proud

Thanks for being you, Mom