"I am my Mother's daughter," I sigh.

Always that sigh, because this is a lament. That is how I use this phrase.

"I am my Mother's daughter," I sigh,

     gazing at my extra chin

     paying a bill late

     lighting a cigarette

This is not how I wish to honor my Mother, who left me countless priceless gifts.

"I am my Mother's daughter!" I smile,

      Embracing my thousandth clean slate with the same vigor as my first

      Making the brave choice

      Persevering

      Smiling at the sky

— Jeanine Pranses

Jeanine Pranses is a Recreational Therapy Aide, yoga teacher and writer living & loving in Hanover, PA.