Mercy Mother by Amiyuh Tobias (17, Louisiana)

[Content warning: parental neglect]
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From the time that I was born, I’ve been at your mercy, mother.
I am the brunt of your jokes and your worries’ scapegoat. 
So, I ask that you would extend to me some mercy, mother. 

If I could, considerately, beg you for mere mercy, mother. 
I’m second to your will; I’m the corpse your looks killed. 
Like God does for you, deliver me your mercy, mother. 

Would you be kind enough to think of me with mercy, mother? 
You’re like Jekyll and Hyde; loving you’s a wild ride. 
Plenty of times I find myself wishing for mercy, mother. 

Please, don’t hurt me, mother; I just need some mercy, mother. 
​In your hands I’m unwell—you can call me Ishmael 
The way you desert me without any ounce of mercy, mother. 

Sometimes I think that I am almost given mercy, mother. 
I am Job with all my suffering; feel like Judas when it gets to me 
And I wonder: Am I giving you enough mercy, mother? 

I love you and I save for you my mercy, mother. 
Your hold on me’s titanic, causing me to sink in panic,