Ma

You're the only thing that's true,

You're my one refuge.

No matter what happens

You're my comfort when I am blue.

Whenever I am anxious or bruised,

You appear unfazed and tell me to simply get a move (on)

Yet I know Ma, it's just a facade

You're as scared as I am and yes, I do have a clue.

You handle patiently (& sometimes not) my constantly changing mood,

Your effort is laudable for going along with it in it's many hues.

You push me, protect me, care for me,

I, sometimes, in the heat of things say its nothing but I know it's not true.

In moments of crisis, I see you lose your cool

But then you get a grip on yourself and first tend to our wounds.

Always ready with a helping hand and a kind word,

I see your failings and triumphs as a human and I am honestly proud of you.

We quarrel over petty issues

Getting upset over things we just assume.

You're my greatest critic, never mincing words

And I am so, so grateful for that, for you.

I love your smell, your warmth, the way you blush when I kiss you.

I promise to let go of things that you clearly don't approve.

Just be patient, just be hopeful Ma

I'll make you proud, I know I'll do.