My Mother

 

my mother told me

she used to smoke in school,

much to my surprise.

she told me they belonged

to an old relative.

 

—

Two women,

one young,

one old,

separated by fifty years,

flipping the bird,

to the big bad world.

 

—

Cheap cigarettes

with no butts,

and a cup of tea,

far more potent,

than all the life lessons.

this secret,

a priceless jewel.

 

—

my mother,

you sacred creature,

the matriarch,

hold me closer,

you are flawed,

and have secrets,

yet I love you more,

for this tiny confession.