perhaps...

perhaps i am just happy mom.
perhaps its not a doctor's visit,
and prescription and bed rest and caution.


perhaps i was made to feel this joy
that it is real, valid, not mental illness...
you just have not felt it for yourself.


perhaps you did, once, and was told
to settle down. to act like a lady, or worse
to be quiet.


i am truly sorry for you if you felt like me once
and was told it was wrong, told you were not acceptable.
i mourn the loss of your joy
but refuse to mourn the loss of mine, for unlike you
i had the help i needed to tell me it was okay to dance.


nina 2011