that I was once a boy,
and I understand because
when I was her age
I could not fathom
that my mother was once
a little girl in her own world.
now that I am older
it is much easier
to imagine my mother
as a wayward child,
and I see myself in my own child—
her passion, quick temper,
creativity and caring.
I feel even younger
than I did three years ago—
mentally, certainly not physically—
because my mind is clear
and I am focused
for the first time
since I was an actual child.