Oh, My Child

Steam fogs the mirror

clouded,

the window

blurs my sight of the world.

.

Water drapes my face

sliding across my cheeks, neck, shoulders

dripping off the body

but not washing the spirit of pain and remorse.

.

I lather

rinse

repeat.

Apply conditioner, clip, then move on.

.

Foamy puff

soothes

relaxing.

Hands hover over the tiger lines, reminders I once carried you.

.

My heart

bruised

weeping.

Birth pain long forgotten, now your brisk dismissal shatters my soul.

.

Far away

independent

adult.

Past-made choices distance us, afraid of more rejection I hesitantly falter.

.

Suds whirl

drain

guttering.

Once I pushed you out into the world; how I yearn to have you in my life.

. . . . . . . . .

Oh boy- parenting can be difficult. You want them to be able to think and act for themselves, but also (kinda) to still need you and want to be with you.

Here's a short story that was a Vocal Top Story about a mom realizing something about her mother. It helped me work through some things in my own life- writing short stories can do that. I think you'll like it.

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