Yes I am upset and I want to shed
Copious tears right now; instead
I control my emotions at the cost
Of being distracted, distant and lost
In my reverie, not listening to you
My patience runs thin, I snap at you too
But I am your mother and you should not
See me being weak, is what I’ve been taught
Seeing me upset, watching me cry
Would upset you too, that is why
I should sulk in private, after you go to bed
My own worries I should completely forget
As I step into a mother’s role for you
I should be able to separate the two
Facets of my life, as a mother and a person
A mother should be infallible, make mistakes none
But when I try to display a stoic side
My true emotions with difficulty I hide
My burden I am unable to relieve
Without crying, without being able to grieve
I shut down and emotionally unavailable become
At least to weakness I do not succumb..
*
I wonder though if it is really that bad
To cry before my child, to show him I am sad
By never crying before him, I reinforce
That emotions should not be displayed, but inside yourself forced
Each of us is vulnerable, should children not see
Our imperfect sides, our vulnerability?
I worry if I hide my emotions by keeping a distance
My child would do the same when upset, as a mechanism of defense
Then I would never know what’s bothering him at all
I would not be able to guide him when he falls..
*
I am upset, my child, let me cry
I feel hurt, I shall not lie
I promise I’ll feel better after shedding a few tears
I am all right, just sad, do not fear..
Once I dry my eyes, I would be able to spend
Quality time with you, my little friend
Passion...unbridled 