Inspired by a Line from Janis

Tired eyes, slack skin –
I swore I’d never get a face like my parents’
or spread their martyred, blame-filled love.
When did I break my vow?

I swore I’d never get a face like my parents’,
would sing loud, and hunger with my whole heart.
When did I break my vow?
When did days take on a stain of disappointment?

I sang loud and hungered with my whole heart,
until I didn’t,
and days were stained with disappointment.
Other people’s needs a cloak of lead,

until I didn’t
remember what freedom felt like.
Other people’s needs a cloak of lead
I can’t find a way to take off.

…..Remember freedom.
…..More than nothing’s left. Lose
…..the martyred, blame-filled love,
…..Shine in your slack skin.