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.
