My mother and I competed

For attention from those we love.

She gave me privileges

that she herself needed

And lived through me with her love.

I learned how to play

saxophone and piano

And played in the marching band.

In her youth she was a cheerleader.

And I did it too by her hand.

I practiced and practiced

two hours each day

To live up to standards

more strict than today.

Tap dancing too,

I performed in reviews

So she cut out the clippings

to keep with her news.

She made all my costumes.

Design was her gift.

But when adolescence approached

We came to a rift.

I had no independence

She picked friends for me.

She felt she was doing right.

I just wanted to be free.

Though life turned bitter

in our later years.

Just recently I finally

faced all my fears.

I thought I'd forgiven.

The things she put me through.

But 50 years of living

Showed me it wasn't true.

It took a long time

to clear out my head.

I've forgiven and forgotten

the bad things she did.

I know why she did them

Though I didn't approve.

So many things, I hid them

And buried them in love.

Now as I grow older

and review the years

I still love my mother,

even through the tears.