Dear Mom,

If I could tell you I love you

with more than words —

I would hug you and never let go,

hold your hand when I cross the street,

even at sixteen

I still need a reminder of your protection.

Cautiously open your jewelry drawer

and go through every box,

imagining what it must be like

to wear something

so gorgeous

you hold your breath

because,

its beauty is more precious

than air.

I would notice tired eyes,

and wash dishes under scalding water

exactly how

you taught me.

Exercise patience and compassion,

more than others deserve,

amazed by your seemingly infinite grace.

I would gently remind you of the time and to watch the clock,

lateness ingrained in your body,

an unfortunate side effect of

commitment and focus —

I could tell you I love you

with more than

all the times I fell short of being

a caring daughter,

please forgive the moments

when I filled you heart

with words

that left you empty.

Learning to choose action

over eight letters,

I’m trying.

Forgetting is a sign of my own failure.

Not yours.

Sincerely,

            Your Well-Intentioned Daughter