Keishla Perez, I’m Sorry That I’m Not Sorry

Keishla Perez

I’m sorry that I’m not sorry

I’m sorry for the embarrassment and side eyes When I brought my child into this world I’m sorry that you all felt the same when I did it again a year later I’m sorry to the critics when it happened again eight years later Then the next And now once more I’m sorry for the beautiful songs of their laughter Their beauty that seemed to bother you Each of the unique personalities that remind you how sorry I am Im sorry, these have been the best twelve years of my life The “mommy I love yous” And kisses goodnight The sports games and pageants where I cheered too loud with pride The beautiful tiny people and big ones already my size

The family nights, a pizza, a movie, us cuddled up tight The avengers play fights The dinosaur noises The tiktoks and minecrafts The swimming, cooking, and life lessons I’m sorry is right, I’m sorry for the zero dollars and zero cents that you contribute while you judge

I’m NOT sorry, however, Because they are mine.

Keishla Perez is a sophomore at Bard Microcollege graduating with her Associate in Arts in May 2021. She will be attending Mount Holyoke College in the fall as a Frances Perkins Scholar.