You are the image I see in
the mirror, the darker force I have
to fight against. My inclinations
lean your way. I have to keep
inventing myself anew,
keep burning my dark dreams to ashes,
watching as something simpler,
more innocent is born from them, hoping
that it sticks this time, that
I won’t go astray. I always do,
there is always another burning and
rebirth ahead.
I hate you/love you,
am appalled and drawn all at once.
You are my mother
who birthed and molded me.
It’s hard to know any other way.

by Cher Bibler