patchwork child

mom

there is a woman
she smiles at me
her hands close around my throat
we step outside
she releases me and pats my head
she tells me she loves me
i stay silent
her words are hollow
she reminds me of my flaws
i nod my head
she tells me to speak
she tapes my mouth
she plays a role to delude herself
damsel in distress
while her claws sink into my skin
she thinks she knows
i think she's stupid
she shrinks every issue
to fit her ideals
mom, will you ever learn?