I cannot be everything 
no matter how hard I try
I can’t be the scapegoat
the perfect daughter,
mother.
Why?

I can’t be the 
best friend
the lover
the star employee
I can’t be your sacrifice
fallen to her knees.

I can’t be
considerate yet sinister,
the hopeless optimist
the girl you can run to
but the girl you never miss.

I cannot be 
all these things
for you, it’s true
but rewind the clock 
let the day begin anew,
and I’ll be back on that stage
where you found me long ago
where you’ll find me years from now
the catchphrase,
the hope, the ego.

But when I exit stage right,
leaving the many “be’s” behind
I know deep down I would find you
with flowers and a sign, 
telling me you’re proud
that my anything was enough.
While everything, I couldn’t be,
your love isn’t fragile, it’s tough.