ma, I want to ask you
did you feel this way, too
when you were twenty something
and it was all thrilling
to make decisions on your own
was love the same as they said
a kiss making your knees weak,
a once in a lifetime romance
giving butterflies in your stomach?
what about your dreams,
are they as magnificent now
as you've always hoped it would be?
were you as excited as I
to venture out into the world
and travel through unknown lands
with nothing but sheer belief
that life is an endless wonder
and you might as well enjoy the ride?
ma, did you feel this way, too?
when you were twenty something
and life wasn't going as planned
did you have second thoughts
about the road you were following?
was your pillow soft enough
to absorb all your tears
and hear about your fears?
was there a gripping feeling
in your heart when
your first love left you?
did you fall back to your bed,
unable to move for days?
were you ever afraid
that you wouldn't meet pa
or have me and my brother?
did you feel the weight of the world
upon your shoulders when
bills were starting to pile up?
was there a time when
you just wanted to quit?
ma, did you feel this way, too?
like the entire universe
made it hard for you to breathe,
did you ever wake up sweating
and gasping for air
when you saw the monsters
hiding under your bed
or the demons you've kept in the closet
staring at you
at two in the morning?
was there a time when
you needed to ask grandma
about your uncertainties
and insecurities as well?
is there any chance
you can guide me through this
or will it be like those days
when you locked yourself
inside your room,
cried yourself to sleep,
and just carried on
with life, as usual?
ma, it got better, right?