everything's fine

I remember
telling my mother about some
awful event
that had happened in my life.
not tragic or life ending,
but something
that bothered me, was on my mind.
I wanted her arms
around me.
I wanted a kiss on the cheek,
wisdom,
advice. I wanted
her to take my hand
like a mother would
to a small boy. telling me
that everything would be
alright.
instead she cried and made
the trouble her own.
I would end up comforting her.
wiping her tears away,
telling her not to worry,
that things would be fine.
I learned in time
to tell her only good things.
she wasn't ready, not now,
or ever, for the rest
of my life.