A lover's caveat

I am aware that I'm not perfect,
Though eternally striving to be
I'm as human as human can get
Just as fragile, highly imperfect

Tried to be a dutiful daughter -
Perfection there was tough
Spent some years as a wife -
But my best wasn't good enough

Got a few degrees from college
Won't call myself an expert;
I'm still a seeker of knowledge
Though purveying it doesn't hurt

I take very seriously - my motherhood,
After all, isn't it in my blood?
But just when I think my learning is done
A new challenge looms in the horizon

Some days I call successful - some days not
Some days I'm too exhausted to care
I've accepted myself the way I am
Resigned myself to my imperfection

So don't ask that I be the perfect partner,
Perfect mom, perfect wife - and in your mind,
Perfect clone of yourself, albeit feminine;
Its all I've done in life - chasing perfection

So for once, just once - take me as I am
Let me rest in your arms,
This battered, imperfect self -
And let me breathe!