Because of my mom, 
I am of-
Thread a needle
Sew a button
Iron the collar
Homemade clothes
Patched knees.

Because of my mom,
I am of-
Coloring books
Paint by number
Latch hook
Bracelet beading.

Because of my mom,
I am of-
Coupon clipping 
Balance the checkbook
“To the penny”
Pay the bills
Dividends.

Because of my mom,
I am of-
No More Tears 
Lip Smackers
Wash your face 
Moisturize
“Don’t forget your neck.”

Because of my mom,
I am of-
The Little Red Caboose
“I think I can, I think I can” 
Marvin K. Mooney
Highlights Magazine
Scholastic Book Orders.

Because of my mom,
I am of...
Speed
Clue
Luck vs. Skill
“Don’t need to cheat mother”
Competition.

Because of my mom, 
I am of-
Fruit leather and freezer jam
Flour the baking pan
Lick the bowl
Chuka with fish cake
Sukiyaki and Senbei.

Because of my mom, 
I am of-
Sack lunch
Chocolate milk Fridays
Parking lot picnics
“Eat your vegetables”
Pancake Sundays.

Because of my mom, 
I am of-
“That’s not a weed”
Repot a plant 
“Don’t over water”
Fresh cut flowers.

Because of my mom,
I am of-
Goofy faces
Tongue out
Silly giggles
Nose bops
Worried brow.

Because of my mom,
I am of-
Make a list
Take a picture
“What’s the plan?”
Bionic hip
Second first steps
“You can do it.”

Because of my mom,
I am of-
Determination
Quiet strength
Love in action
An unwavering tree.

~Daniela Thompson, 5/10/2020