there are some things
i’ve always known,
i could not tell my mother.

not to hurt her, not to hold secrets-
but to protect her.

there are some things i’ve
chosen to hold in,
know it’s better to hold in;
than to let out and
disappoint.

if only to guard her from
pain.

there are some things that
she will never know,
i will never tell her;
to save her from hurt.

nothing will ever harm you, ma-
not while i’m around.

i’ll always keep you safe.

i confess, the biggest secret
i keep from my mother:
i save her from harm,
i shelter her from hurt,
i protect her from pain…

i am my mother’s keeper.