By LC DeVine

From the womb there was joy, but the birth sealed the deal for life.

From my first look at your marble-brown eyes, you became my life.

I felt joy seeing you take your first step, hearing your first “Mama,” your first laugh.

Those moments I shall never forget.

I remember teaching you and watching you grow, I grew with you.

The challenges you overcame, and I – with you.

I am you and you are mine.

HOW, WHEN, and WHAT made you go in the wrong direction?

I combed the corners of my mind trying to figure out what I had missed, what

I hadn’t done for you, and what I didn’t say right to you.

The pain, anger, and drama I went through, with and for you.

Now I die a daily death.

Waiting for the courage to let go of the self-blame.

So you can now live through me.