mom's been doing it for the past few weeks.

hurtful words, i try not to say
exasperated sighs, i avoid
ungrateful feelings, i never harbor
but control slips, and her hurt feelings i see

i can't tell her outwardly how much i love her
i can't show her honestly how much i appreciate her
i don't know how to show her openly that her concerns are understood.

i meant that hug,
i meant those words,
i meant all the feelings,
even if they turn out wrong.