by Lawana Johnson

Created on: January 06, 2009   Last Updated: February 24, 2009

THE BATTLE (BETWEEN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER)

A

LL Goes Silent - The Battle Is Set!

Each morning is like a war zone,

the battle between mother and daughter on what to wear . . .

She wants tight, somewhat revealing and short.

I want tasty, and I want down, not up the thigh;

and I want coverage of all things decent.

I guess each generation goes through the same thing . . .

I did it to my dad (my mom died when I was five) with the short dresses,

revealing tops and tight clothes, with one exception,

I wore make-up and she doesn't.

I hate this battle, it all seems too familiar . . . it's too hypocritical!

Why didn't he stop me?

Why didn't he say, "No?"

Then it wouldn't be so hard to say it to my daughter.

Now, it's up to me to say that dreaded word we will battle over;

the one word that will cause a war of wills on a daily basis, at least til she's 18.

The bond between mother and daughter is special,

(as well as, between father and daughter)

Especially because they are like mirror images of each other,

cast upon past and future frames of time and space.

The token of peace that will resolve this battle today is . . . L-O-V-E!

Tomorrow brings another day of turmoil.

The peace only lasts the few hours each day holds.

I will say that which wasn't said to me . . .

"No!" This word will be my battle cry,

as it becomes a test of my mettle and strength.

(I must remember to check the book bag before she walks out the door!)

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