dear mom

the past two years haven't been easy
and yet I've easily become so good at being angry
giving weight to meaningless disputes
always ready to retaliate

as you helped me paint my nails tonight
this seemingly innocuous act
an overpowering guilt flooded me over
revealing my unfairness towards you

too easily I've let my anger steep
too easily I've forgotten
the multiple acts of love
you've bestowed me over the years

although you often frighten me still
with your complete and utter wackiness
and sporadic surprise phone calls

with your philippino english
LOUDNESS
and disregard for people's ability to hear you speak

I will try to remember that
you are one of the strongest people I've ever known
who loves me still (and that counts)
and will never cease to