Damage

What is it about my mother
that her will stays strong
long after it no longer matters;

after she's gone;
undermining my will and driving me
to garner praise from others.

I agree I should take pride,
in my own achievements,
nonetheless, cannot

so long as attachment remains
though the cord is gone—
was tied, cut and dropped off—
but still hangs on,

underscoring my failures at loving,
although I try
to everyone be kind,

lest, yet once more,
I succeed
in shaming my mother.