watched

my mother
would always write letters
in pencil

in graceful loops
and beautiful curves

and she would have me
proofread her
words

since english was not
how she naturally
thought

and as i scanned
and erased
and corrected

she drew
refined ladies
on the paper
next to me

upturned noses
fluffy hair
beautiful lips
white skin

(much like
she made herself
to be)

nervously
i would try
to perfect her words
as she planned out
how she would look

on the outside

always serene and
peaceful

never shouting
or yelling
(oh no)

always agreeable
and ladylike

silently waiting
and watching
it all

(close)

inspired by this prompt: http://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/2016-april-pad-challenge-day-8

caricature by al hirschfeld, of lucille ball for publicity of the movie "as thousands cheer"