your defiant irish will
runs through my veins.
your unfiltered sense of humor
runs in my blood.
the way your father told you
you wear your heart on your sleeve
has led to my also seemingly
sensitive skin.
your constant singing
has birthed me with a need for song
and an impulse for dance.
you taught me faith
and you showed me fun.
you taught me class
and you showed me grace.
you instilled in me
your love for the sea.
you infused me
with dreams and aspirations
to go for it,
to spread my wings.
your independence
to color outside the lines
to experience life more fully
has given origin
to my own
w i l d h e a r t.
no one can take
away
the ways in which
we are
deeply connected
by blood & love.
time
and space
defy these things
so inherent and rooted.
i was knit in your womb
with strands of your strength
and DNA of your resilience.
you knew me before
i came
and i will know you long after
you leave.
a lineage of strong women
that put breath in my lungs
and a beat in my heart.
thank you,
mom.
you are a part of me
always.
and i,
you.
