Distance

Mother, you always call to say nothing in particular.

You ask what I'm doing, and where I am.

And, when the silence stretches like a lifetime between us,

        I scramble to find questions to keep the conversation going.

What I long to say the most is:

I understand this world broke you  --  it has been so hard on your body and mind.

I don't blame you for not know how to remain soft with me.

Sometimes, I stay up thinking of all the places and things and people that hurt you,

         And, you never care to discuss.

I come from the same aching blood, from the same bone.

So desperate for attention, I collapse in on myself.

I am your son.

I know that small talk remains the only way for you to tell me you love me.

Because, it is the only way I know how to tell you.