Road Trip

driving east
away from you
I didn't stop
to visit this time.

no grief
because
i've learned, you see.

i've learned
i can never really
leave you behind

our long argument
is over and i still
hold up my
end of
the conversation.

lessons you taught
are lessons i
teach now.

words that used
to flow from
your lips
now tumble
unbidden from mine.

i wear you under
my skin and like
a snake
i will shed my skin
and I will stand
revealed, finally


my mother's daughter.