wouldn’t you think
EVERY child would want
to love their mother
to honor and respect
the one who loves them so

yet

my kids sometimes
disrespect me
say hurtful things
that crush my soul
leaving me in tears

as they smirk

what do they think
‘job well done’?
‘ha…I got her’?
what goes through their minds
when my posture gives in

alone

in my room
crying again
not standing up
but coasting away
defeated

praying

for strength
to correct them
strength
to defend me
strength to…