We fought 
yelled and cried 
We got hurt 
by words  
that we screamed 
at each other 
 
Arguing 
over the smallest 
actions 
like not cleaning  
my bedroom 
Or not eating  
the last carrot 
on my dinner plate 
Because I’m full 
 
Lying  
over the biggest  
problems, 
like getting caught 
reading comics 
instead of doing my homework 
But saying instead 
that I was reading 
the news  
 
I may have been very unproductive, 
bad with time management 
and a handful 
But here I am now writing  
this beautiful 
poem for you 
 
I’ve learned about 
and listened to 
many of your  
“back in my day” 
stories 
 
Your wise  
words  
have been programmed  
into my system  
And appear 
in my dreams 
 
This is what I miss 
about childhood 
and the days 
of being spoiled 
 
We may have looked dumb, 
hated each other at times 
And will continue 
to fight  
But I’ll still love  
you  
 
No matter  
what 
 
Happy birthday 
Mom