the graduate.

mother tells me how to untrust
a separation
but through the years
i had learned it all

picking up the sliced skins
off the floor after each argument
episodes of reality tv
in ugly high definition

i am defending my dissertation
before a jury of the one who birthed me

have i passed the life test?
can i graduate with honors?
what use for this diploma that had taught me
to think no job will ever be good enough?