mother’s requiem
by Ran Brady
burned by the sun so she peeled
me out of her image; a mirage
of legacy, too volatile
(an inheritance)
to be submissive.
it’s taken years to grow my own skin
& even then, I’m barely expanding
beyond her shape
—mirrored,
I have shattered myself
to see who I can become
with only pieces of me
cutting deep—a wound
which heralds truth:
I have been in her reflection
all this time, too.
Ran Brady (any pronouns) is an autistic, queer poet home-grown in the foothills of Appalachia, who spends most days puttering in a garden or consuming candied words at any chance. Previously published in Screen Door Review, Ran takes inspiration from southern pride and the unique queer experience that comes from taking root in that culture.