There

THERE

(Dedicated to my Mom)

Dear Mom,

I know I'll never be able 

To thank you quite enough.

You're there for me when times are bright,

You're there when times are rough. 

I think

I'll start with sorry. 

There are times when I just wish

I could go back in time 

To change, correct, to fix. 

But now

There's just the present

And I hope someday 

I can make you half as proud

As I am of you today. 

Thank you

For all of the adventures. 

For the random hikes and walks

For being spontaneous like me,

For all the late night talks. 

Thank you 

For watching girly movies

And for letting me rant

For being strong enough

Even when I can't. 

Thank you

For being firm in what you know 

Your testimony shines

Like a beacon, full of light.

Faithful, hopeful, kind. 

Thank you 

For your sacrifice,

For listening to me.

For giving of your wisdom,

And encouraging my dreams.  

But most 

Of all, I thank you for

Your love and selfless care

When I feel lost, with you I'm found.

I know you're always there. 

Paper Umbrellas

Paper Umbrellas

Just take me as I am.

I'm flawed and broken down. 

I've been to hell and back,

Oh kingdom, take my crown. 

These illusions, these masks,

We hide behind the truth.

Stealing our own identities.

Ripping at our youth. 

They say that perfect's possible.

The lies, they cut like knives.

Happiness and pleasure,

Look, it's their disguise. 

The rain falls, but all ignore

As it hits their face.

It's all paper umbrellas.

Thunder, lighting, waste. 

Expect much, don't love enough.

And then you have a place

Full of those who bleed to be 

Another flawless face.

Darkness wraps around us,

A warm blanket at first.

Then the heat becomes a flame

And causes all to burst.

All of the turning cheeks.

All of the wandering eyes.

Just stop and take me in,

Accept the words "I try."

Stop telling me I'm perfect.

Every time you do,

I think about the flaws that make

All you say untrue. 

If we could throw away

The fake, and just be real.

Trade our masks for mindfulness,

Put down our crowns to kneel.

Accept. People are flawed.

It's alright to be weak.

Love isn't beyond us,

It is what we all seek. 

Let's start to heal the wounds,

Set the captives free.

The world does not want us.

They want our liberty.

We must see for ourselves,

The chains that bind our hearts

Are just paper notions

That can be torn apart.