The Anneslee Poems: Mother

They cut the cord

when they pulled

me out,

but wrapped me

in chains

and handed me

to you,
a little doll
for you
to dress up
and keep
forever.

The chains
tightened
with every breath

as you held me

fiercely
against your chest

and told

the world

I was everything

you’d ever wanted.

I grew
around the chains
and became distorted,
nothing like
the daughter
you wanted
when you
dreamed up
my name
and bought
pink party dresses
that don't fit
me now.

When did you know
I was
never
going to be
good enough
for your love?

Was it my first breath?
Was it my first cry?
Was it my first word?
Or was it the moment
the plus sign
said I was real?

Some women

should never

have children.