Seeing her every day, bouncing around the house,
the joyful grin she never takes off.
Sparkles on her face.
I think nothing of her, as I begrudgingly get ready in the morning.

I forgot that mask I put on for her,
faking how happy I was
as she kissed me goodbye for the millionth time.
She never did understand sarcasm.

Eventually, I moved from the nest and into the world
finally able to embrace my life to full potential.
far away from her overbearing affections/
or so I thought.

One day I forgot to take out my college assignment and as I searched my bag,
A note fell out signed: love you, Mom
a smile quickly formed as my mask vanished
for the last time, I never took that joyful grin for granted.