I Am My Mother’s Daughter

I am my mother’s daughter
which is to say I can spit honey-coated fire
and will feed you to the wolves
if you try to touch me without consent.

I am my mother’s daughter
which is to say I will perform open-heart surgery on myself
and give you what you need to survive.
Call it sacrifice,
but I call it purpose.

I am my mother’s daughter
which is to say I am aware of my own strengths
so I don’t need you to remind me what they are
as if you are doing me a favor,
Darling,
I know.

I am my mother’s daughter.