Mother says
I have been indulging in
Self pity

Father tells me I have to
Accept
My life for what it is

The other day
I asked Father
Again

Mother brings it up
Days later
When my courage is gone

My body
Sword fights with
My dreams

The tunnel
To success
Is dark and dreary

If I only I practiced harder
Studied more
Smoked less

Mother
Father
Brother

They are depending on you
You are a reflection
On us

The leaves drift
Far from the trees
Do they miss them

The clouds cover
The sun’s light
Is she angry

The flowers perish
In a kitchen vase
Do they desire a funeral

Mother says
I must stop fighting
The inevitable

Father tells me
He does not understand
This phase

When does
It end
I ask God

Inner peace lingers
Self-acceptance drifts
Serenity cascades

I steady my legs
Arch back
And jump