When I Was Nothing

For twenty years, she kept silent.

Careful not to reveal a thing.

One event haunted her:

She'd disrespected her daughter.

Nothing had been right since.

Others commended another daughter for taking charge.

She finished her schooling without delay

Earning top marks, and then left a great job.

Her mother adored her

And backed her vision, stemming from regret

Over not becoming an artist or a clerk.

She could still be someone else.

A businesswoman starting her journey.

Would that ever truly satisfy?

Would that please her mother? I tried.

I'm just a daughter, rejected, chasing dreams.

Hated, it seems, for choosing my way -

The only workable choice.

But I press on regardless.

The harshest storms have lashed me

Ruining things yet again.

I must rebuild after this -

A rebellious spirit, recovering strongly.