I Did Not Cry When My Mother Died

You didn’t? What’s wrong with you?
Unfeeling?
Repressed emotion.
Unhealthy.
You should see someone.
Let go of those resentments.
Acknowledge your pain.
You’ll feel better.

No I won’t.

Nothing's wrong with me.
I feel deeply,
I embrace my emotions.
Healthy, I see myself.
I don’t believe in resentment.
I choose not to have pain.
And I feel blessed.

I will not grieve to fit your expectation.

Do not presume to judge.
I found her
Like a baby, asleep on her comforter.
Free finally from pain.
Wrapped in a serenity,
Earned through a lifetime of physical adversity
Faced with grit and grace.
This cocoon for a soul, finally released its butterfly.

I can do no less than respect its freedom.