True Story Poem by Ariel Miles

Am I wrong
because I have never been there for you
but I love you & I care for you
I pay for your plays
but when you perform I'm gone
I took you to the film shoot
but as it played
& tears of joy
ran down your face
I was never there to wipe them
I payed for you to model
but when you hit that stage
you didn't see me
you did a double half turn
looked again
& I wasn't in any chair
I arrived late mookie
but I was there
I apologize
I'm overprotective
you're my prized possession
but I hit & mistreat you
because pain is love
& I do love you
I shelter you
I bathed you
I help you
& to make up for all the things I've missed
I come bearing flowers
& a big, warm kiss
Don't ever doubt that I love you
because I shadow my mistakes
but I understand that you'd feel better if those mistakes were never made
& she pauses
well I pause her
& I say Ma
Please don't speak
You plead for forgiveness
that you won't get from me
yet I love you
& I know this
because if I lose you
I'd be weak
You're my mother
I'm your child
If it weren't for you
There'd be no me