Write What You Know

What do I know?

I know obsessive honesty because good children are always honest.

I know guilt for anything less than perfection because smart kids have to be perfect.

I know the weight of constant responsibility because the oldest child has to be responsible for everyone else.

I know persistence through tragedy because there’s no other choice.

I know clinging too tightly, too long to toxic relationships out of a misguided sense of loyalty.

I know caring for others’ needs more than my own because that’s what a good wife/friend/sister/daughter does.

I know all the sins, hopes, fears, and expectations I carry, both my own and those bequeathed to me.

I know they will crush me if I don't let them out.

Write what you know.