by Sylvie Leochko

Created on: April 01, 2009

Mother, since I can remember

To you, I have something to prove

It has seemed like forever

Nothing was enough, I had to improve

As I learned my first words to spell

Only perfection would do as you would tell

As I learned to read, you pointed out mistakes

I knew that your pride would be at stake

Later on, in my teenage years

Only high grades wouldn't bring you tears

I had to perform as well as you did

Or shame would cover me with its lid

When I attended university things changed

Envy and jealousy, in between your feelings ranged

The day I enjoyed my graduation

You agreed that I performed to satisfaction

When single life occupied my early years of adulthood

You questioned my desire to enter motherhood

On my wedding day you doubted my intentions

As your absence was marked by actions

Once I was blessed with the arrival of my son

Questions and doubts were coming by the ton

By the time my daughter came into this world

Judgments and criticism were in your words

When my children were diagnosed with Autism

Nothing from you was short of cynicism

Now that I had to defend my son's life

Your sharp words carved my heart like a knife

I realize now that you misunderstood

The duties involved in motherhood

While you think that you helped me find a way

What you actually did, you drove me away

All my life I felt I had something to prove

In my actions, my thoughts and every move

Now that I am a mother, I realize today

That my love is what is needed every single day

Mother, it is now your turn

To have something to prove in return

Your appreciation, love and pride

Are the only things that I will abide

Learn more about this author, Sylvie Leochko.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.