Mother

Puppet strings around my wrists like silver scars, 

Tied around neck like a noose. 

She cries her way through my anger, 

Guilts her way through my fear. 

Shadows like chained cinderblocks,

Can't walk away with hobbled ankles.

In the dark, she smiles, jerks the silver string. 

Another small scar, bleeding misery.

I'm ruined, convinced by her actions,

I'm not worth it,

Lied to by her words.

Broken bones heal in the silence,

Strings are frayed in the dark.

They might snap,

Then again, maybe I will too.